Fairport-Mary Evalyn Stephens passed peacefully on 12/28/2023 at 88 years of age.Mary was born on 8/5/1935 in Kansas City, Mo. the daughter of the late Ernest and Evelyn Swanson. She attended Bethany College in Linsborg, Kansas where she met her husband Clyde Stephens. They were married for over 60 years until Clyde’s passing in 2017.
Due to Clyde’s Naval assignment they moved frequently in their early married life to Washington State, Maryland and Pensacola Florida. Their family grew during this time and they settled in Fairport in the mid 60’s with their two children when Clyde accepted a job at Eastman Kodak.
Mary Evalyn returned to school and received her Masters Degree from Nazareth College. She taught kindergarten at Jefferson Avenue School in Fairport and Specialized Reading at Victor Middle School. Mary was active for 50 yrs at St Pauls Lutheran Church in Pittsford where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. The past several years she worshipped at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairport. She was a proud member of the Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus (GVOC), the Rochester Museum and the Fairport VFW auxillary.
She and Clyde travelled throughout the US, Europe and Australia. She was a devoted Mother and Grandmother. She loved her Lutheran Faith and her Swedish hertitage. Her favorite things were flowers, anything purple, owls , jewelry and the Buffalo Bills. She loved to sing most of all. Baking was a pastime, her pies were legendary. We will miss her every day.
Mary is predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert and sister Marilyn, her husband Clyde, her son Greg and her son in law Ronald Kendt. She is survived by her daughter, Denise Kendt, grandchildren Stephanie Hibbard, Jeffrey Hibbard, Adam (Meghan) Stephens, Kimberly(Bryant) Myers and four great grandchildren.
No prior calling hours, a private family service will be held at a later date.
Comments
12 responses to “Stephens, Mary E.”
We enjoyed having Mary in the Chancel Choir at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She’s singing with the angels.
Sympathy and love to Denise. I’m comforted knowing Aunt Marilyn Evalyn is with mom. 🥰
My condolences on the passing of Mary E. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to know her. She always had a smile on her face and was very kind. She will be missed.
Denise, These are beautiful pictures and I love reading about your Mom and Dad’s adventures. You took great care of your Mom when she needed it most… My thoughts are with you all. Much love to you!
Very nice tribute to your mother. You’re a good daughter Denise. I love the pictures over the years. I bet your mom knew my sister. She worked at Victor for more than 30 years and became the superintendent. Small world. We need to get together. You are the matriarch now! Bless you my friend 💜
I enjoyed getting to know Mary at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She was a wonderful singer in the Alto section. May she rest in peace.
Great lady, always kind and welcoming a joy to be around. My condolences to Denise and family.
Sorry for your loss. We enjoyed Mary up to the VFW..awesome cook. May fond memories warm your hearts with her love.
Denise, So very sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was CD a wonderful woman for sure. You are so right about her pies!! Her crust is still something I always talk about!
John and I have many fond memories of time spent with her and your father over the years. They were always there for us.
We will keep all of you in our thoughts and memories of her always in our heart.
Thanks Jurene- I was hoping you would see this , the last six months were a struggle – she hated losing her independence so I’m glad she did not linger
Our deepest sympathy to Mary’s family especially to Denise who cared for Mary after Clyde’s passing. We enjoyed seeing the pictures posted here and have fond memories of Mary and Clyde, our long time neighbors on Kings Lacey.
Jeanne and Ed Ristau
Thanks Jeanne – she is at peace now