Mary Irene Fehr Maroney

Mary Irene (Fehr) Maroney, 91, of Solvay, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center.  Born in Syracuse, she lived most of her life in Solvay and graduated from St. John the Baptist High School.  Mary retired after 20 years with Sears, Roebuck & Co.  She was a communicant of St. Cecilia's Church in Solvay, where she raised her family. Mary sang in the funeral choir, volunteered with Human Development and was instrumental in building the former St. Cecilia's School where she became the first president of their Mother's Club. Mary was a member of the Geddes Seniors, the Sears Retirees Club and the Friends of Solvay Public Library.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting and stained glass work. Mary was predeceased by her husband, John William; daughter, Kathleen Backman; and sisters, Jean Kane and Anne Kompf. Surviving are her daughters, Mary Ellen Veselka of Houston, TX, Maureen Maroney of Solvay, Dr. Patricia (Richard) Maroney-Benessi of Rockville, MD and Anne Maroney of Austin, TX; grandsons, Michael Backman, Colin and Alex Benassi and Kyle and Ryan Veselka; great-grandchildren, Luke and Lauren Backman; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends may call Monday, May 2 from 9  to 10 a.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Cecilia's Church, 1001 Woods Rd., Solvay.  Mary will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208 or to the Solvay Public Library, 615 Woods Rd., Solvay, NY 13209.