Mary Frances Hughes

Mary Frances Hughes, 91, of Liverpool, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Elderwood of Liverpool, where she had been a resident for the past 11 months. Born in Syracuse, she was the daughter of Fannie B. and Frank J. Hughes. Mary was a lifetime resident of the Syracuse area. Although she never married, she had a large core family of wonderful people, including her mother, sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They truly loved her, as she did them and was devoted to them throughout their lives.

After graduating from high school, Mary began a long and distinguished career in banking with Lincoln First Bank. She was recognized for her dedication and expertise and was named vice president in 1982. Mary retired after 42 years from JP Morgan Chase Bank, which had acquired Lincoln First Bank.

While working, Mary was active in the Business and Professional Women's Club, served on the Advisory Board of Maria Regina College and participated in local bank groups. After retiring, she looked forward to participating regularly in retiree luncheons.

During her life, Mary was an active member of First United Methodist Church. She was recognized for her long and dedicated service and actively participated in Bible study. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church.

Mary maintained lifelong friendships with friends, dating back to early school years. She was able to maintain those very meaningful relationships until about a year ago when severe dementia took that ability from her. Although all her friendships were significant, one stood above all others, that was with Jeanne Seim of Pittsburg, PA. She and Jeanne were, by both of their accounts, like sisters. They enjoyed many wonderful times together, but the highlight of their friendship culminated several years ago when they took a tour trip to Alaska, visiting numerous sites and culminating with a cruise ship trip through the inland passage. Mary was always one who was very caring and gave freely of her time, energy and financial resources. When her sister had a stroke, she took care of her in her home until that effort became too physically demanding. For several years, Mary visited her at Iroquois Nursing Home almost every day.

Mary was predeceased by her father, who died while she was quite young; mother; and sister.

Surviving are her nephew, Gene (Tish) Benedict of McCall, ID; great-niece, Shelley (Jeff) Williams and her family of Escalon, CA; and great-nephew, Kerry (Terri) Benedict and his extended family of Tualatin, OR.

As per Mary's request, there will be no service and burial will be private.

Those who may wish to make a donation in her name can do so to the charity of their choice. However, she did have a fondness for small dogs, especially Candy, Geisha and Jjen. She would be very pleased if a donation were made to the SPCA, 5878 E. Molloy Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211.

The family wishes to thank the administration and staff at The Hearth at Greenpoint and Elderwood at Liverpool for the way Mary was treated and cared for while a resident at both facilities. Those who work at both facilities were always courteous and professional and provided a very warm, caring, loving atmosphere for her.

We also wish to thank her friend, Hyesun Park, who often went the "extra mile" along with her husband, Ron and sister, Hyunsun, for their friendship and support.

In addition, a special thanks to the Lannie family, Catherine, Tom and Cindy who assisted in facilitating two major apartment moves within an eight month period and also to Maureen Ackerman and Joan Costello for their friendship and support.

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