Mary Elizabeth (Gunning) VanDerzee, 86, of Stilwell Rd., peacefully passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at her home. She was born in Ithaca on June 17, 1930, the daughter of the late David and Hattie (Harris) Gunning. Mary graduated from Trumansburg Central School, Class of 1948. She married Elmer P. VanDerzee in Mecklenburg on October 16, 1948, and they were married for 50 years until his passing in 1999.
Mary’s first great joy was her family and friends. The door was always open for visitors, the coffee pot on, and everyone felt at home at Mary’s kitchen table. If someone stopped in to say hi, Mary would always say “Well you must be hungry. How about a snack or stay for dinner”. Many, many people can look back on their lives and find Mary there, celebrating the high points in their lives with them, and supporting them through the low points, encouraging them to move forward and thrive.
Her second greatest joy was nature. She loved the land and animals, both wild and tame. The farm, her sheep, and chickens, just two of the many varieties of animals that made up her menagerie. Watching the wildlife, listening to the birds, and oh how she did love flowers always on the table, and many more in the gardens.
Mary is survived by her children, Joann VanDerzee and Joyce (Franklin) VanVolkinburg; grandchildren, Daniel (Amanda) VanVolkinburg, and Emily (James) Robertson; lifelong friend, William VanFleet; sister-in-law, Nancy VanDerzee; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews; and cousins. Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Harriet Gunning; brothers, David (Harriette) Gunning, John (Margaret) Gunning; brothers-in-law, Clair (Jean) VanDerzee, Lloyd VanDerzee, Keith (Helen) VanDerzee; and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the Mecklenburg United Methodist Church, 6063 Turnpike Rd., Mecklenburg. A memorial service will begin at 2:30 at the church. A reception will immediately follow at the Mecklenburg Fire Hall. Contributions may be made to the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Department or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, Montour Falls. To leave the family a message of condolence, sign a guestbook, or to light a “Candle of Remembrance”, please visit www.vedderandscottfuneralhome.com