Mary A. Schwarze

Stanfordville - Mary A. Schwarze, 80, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2013. She was born on July 23, 1932 in Schultzville, NY to Sherman and Rose Marie Smith. Mary attended Rhinebeck Central Schools and graduated in 1951. On Sep. 28, 1952, she married Richard Schwarze at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Clinton Corners, NY. Mr. Schwarze predeceased her on June 11, 2011. Mary began her career of 25 years with the United States Postal System beginning as a clerk in the Stanfordville Post Office in 1967. She transferred to the Bangall location working as a clerk; then she assumed the responsibility of Postmistress. Within a short time she found herself returning to the Standfordville location as the Postmistress until her retirement in November of 1992. She loved serving the community and became so loyal that she would deliver packages on Christmas Day. Her love of antiques brought Mary to work in several antique shops in Rhinebeck, NY. Mary was a 65 year member of the Stanford Grange #808 and a member of the Stanford Fire Company Lady's Auxiliary. She was an avid baker and received many awards. Mary was also a lifelong parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Bangall, NY. She is survived by three sons, Peter and his wife Shari, Mark and his wife Lois and Timothy Schwarze. Mary is also survived by five grandchildren, Kelli and Ryan Schwarze, and Patrick, Megan and Chelsea Schwarze. Also surviving are her sister Harriet Martino and her husband Tom and a brother, Patrick Smith and his wife Sandy. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Richard Schwarze, sons William and Matthew, and brothers Sherman and Michael Smith. The family would like to thank Jay and Jess for their love, kindness, knowledge and support. In addition, the family would like to thank the Hospice staff for their support, especially Mary's weekly visit from Sue. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 S. Main St., Pine Plains. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Wednesday at the Immaculate Conception Church, 84 Hunns Lake Rd., Bangall, NY. Interment will follow in the St. Mary's Cemetery. Due to Mary's love of her community, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Stanford Grange #808, 6043 Rt. 82, Stanfordville, NY 12581, the Stanford Library, 14 Creamery Rd., Stanfordville, NY 12581, or to Hospice, Inc., 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Arrangements are under the direction of the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 S. Main St., Pine Plains, NY 12567.

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