Mary A. Jones

Mary A. Jones, 88, of Jewell Drive passed away on February 17, 2018 at Samaritan Summit Village surrounded by loved ones. Her final illness brought her to Summit Village where she was reunited with her beloved husband, LaRue. They shared many precious and tender moments in the short time they had together at Summit.
Mrs. Jones was born October 10, 1929 in Oneonta, NY to Bruce and Helen VanBuren. She graduated from Oneonta High School in 1947 and received her Bachelor's Degree from Hartwick College in 1951. It was there that she met her future husband, LaRue, and they married on June 16, 1951 at St. Mary's Church in Oneonta. Mary continued her education while raising her daughters and received her Master's Degrees in education and reading from SUNY Potsdam. She had a long and rewarding career as an English teacher and reading specialist in the Watertown City School District before retiring in 1989. After retirement she supervised student teachers through SUNY Potsdam and enjoyed mentoring the next generation of educators. Former students often reached out to her to thank her for inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Mrs. Jones was a person of strong faith and a long time member of Holy Family Church. Her civic duties were many over the years and included playing an active role in the NYS Retired Teacher's Association and serving as a volunteer and Board Member of Meals on Wheels. Every time a grandchild visited her, it was sure to include Meals on Wheels rounds with Mary and LaRue bringing joy to the people they served and teaching the grandchildren acts of kindness. Mary was an avid bridge player, which exercised her powerful mind and kept her sharp.
In addition to her loving husband, Mary is survived by her three daughters, Cathryn (Kevin) Ruster, Elizabeth (Charles) Dumas, Sara (Mark) Moran; her brother, Robert (June) VanBuren, her sister, Martha (Thomas) Pasek; her eight grandchildren, Daniel (Bree) Barns, Robert (Kerstin) Barns, Charles Barns (Courtney Collins), Brandon Dumas, Benjamin (Camille) Dumas, Peter Dumas, Sean (Danielle) Moran, Claire (Ryan) Zappia; her great grandchild, Emilia Dumas. Her grandchildren called her Nain and she developed a unique and special bond with each of them. They cherished her and she them in magical ways. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Dolores VanBuren, Joyce Jones, Carol Burnett along with several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas VanBuren and her infant sister, Marcia VanBuren. Mary was a friend to many, old and young. She was particularly grateful to those who helped and supported her as her health declined. She enjoyed her years as a resident of Ives Hill Retirement Community and treasured the friendships she developed there.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 9:00 am at Samaritan Summit Village. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Church, 129 Winthrop Street, Watertown, NY 13601 or Meals on Wheels, 133 Pratt Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.