Mary S. Weatherup

On July 4, 2020, Mary S. Weatherup, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 99.

Mary was born on March 5, 1921 in Rochester to Onnolee and Walter Schiebel. Mary and her family moved to Dallas, TX when she was 12. In 1941, she graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in nutrition and became a hospital dietician for the Army Medical Corps during World War II. She fell in love with Irving Weatherup and married him in Rochester in 1946. Together they attended Syracuse University on the G.I. Bill and Mary received a master’s degree in nutrition in 1950. They purchased one of the original homes in Westerlea, then a homeowner’s cooperative, and provided a wonderful life to their four children. Mary canned and froze the produce raised in their garden and sewed many of her children’s clothes. When her youngest daughter reached school age, Mary returned to work as a food service manager for the Syracuse City School District, retiring in 1982. Once retired, she and Irv spent much of their time at the St. Lawrence River and exploring the world. They had a full and rich marriage with a vast array of shared interests.

Mary was active in the community throughout her life. She volunteered for many organizations including the Maxwell Memorial Library, Meals-On-Wheels, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Everson Museum, the Erie Canal Museum and the Open Hand Theater. Mary was an active communicant and founding member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, having served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member and in St. Anne’s Guild. She was a member of the Institute for Retired Professionals, the Onondaga Hill Antiques Club and a former chairman of the Onondaga and Cayuga School Food Service Organization.

Mary was a determined, independent and practical woman with strong values. She had a long, full life, living all but the last 11 days of her 99 years on her own. Mary showed by example the importance of caring for others, caring for the environment, giving back to the community and as a product of the Depression, not purchasing anything unless absolutely needed. She loved spending time with family at the St. Lawrence River cottage, built by her husband and family. She will live on in the hearts of her children and family.

Mary was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Irving H. Weatherup; and her brothers, William, Thomas and Richard Schiebel.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Onnolee (Lawrence) Smith of Albany; Wendy (Philip) Sollecito of North Port, FL; and Jean (Keven) Bambrough of South Weber, UT; son, Stuart Weatherup of Camillus; grandchildren, Keven, Heather, Alexander, Elyse and Alexis; great-grandchildren, Kamryn and Kayden; and several nieces, including Cynthia, and nephews.

A small family service will be held to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5402 W. Genesee St., Camillus, NY 13031 or to Erie Canal Park, 5750 Devoe Rd., Camillus NY 13031.