Mary Ethelyn Gardner

Mary “Ethelyn” McNally Gardner, 85, of Cincinnatus, NY, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013, at the Cortland Regional Medical Center, while surrounded by her family.

Born in Mineola, Long Island, NY on April 28, 1927, Ethelyn was a daughter of the late Francis A. and Gladys Hotchkiss McNally.  She was a 1944 graduate of Cincinnatus Central School and a graduate of the Rochester Business Institute.  She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Cincinnatus where she served as treasurer for several years.  For 41 years, and until her retirement, she served as the secretary to the superintendent for Cincinnatus Central School.  Prior to working at the school, she was employed by the Cincinnatus Telephone Company and the U.S. Post Office.  She also served as a board member for the Kellogg Free Library, Director for the Cincinnatus Heritage Society, and a former member of the Cincinnatus Town Board.

She leaves behind her husband of 59 years, Curtis Gardner; a daughter, Gretchen (Steven) Shufelt of Cincinnatus; her grandchildren, LeiAnna (George) Beckinghausen of Victor and Lucas (Kristina) Shufelt of Springville; her great-grandchildren, Carlee and Lina Beckinghausen and Kurtis Shufelt; and several nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by a brother, Francis M. McNally, in 2007.

A memorial service will be held at the United Presbyterian Church of Cincinnatus on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend George Carruth officiating.  Burial will be in Taylor Valley Cemetery at a later date.  The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Ethelyn may be directed to Cortland-Chenango Rural Services, P.O. Box 57, Cincinnatus, NY 13040, Cincinnatus Area Heritage Society, c/o Brenda Comolli, 151 State Route 23, Cincinnatus, NY 13040, or the United Presbyterian Church, 5695 Deer Path Lane, Cincinnatus, NY 13040.