After an adventurous life filled with family, faith, friends, neighbors, traveling, books, yarn, fabric, and writing, Mary Eichas-Gavigan passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023.
Predeceased by her husband, Kenneth E. Gavigan (9/30/2017). Survived by her 3 children & 7 grandchildren: JoAnn (Thomas) Renn and Jordan, Whitney & Parker Renn; Victoria (Kenneth) Baert and Katia & Cody Baert; Christopher (Mary) Gavigan and Candace Gavigan & Nicole (Patrick) Stickney; and ‘Great Mary’s’ much adored great-grandchildren, Dallas & Dalton Stickney.
Mary was child # 11 of the 13 children of George & Magdaline Eichas. Predeceased siblings are Margaret, John, Anna, Viola, George, Rita, Theresa, Jude & Jane. Survived by her siblings, Art, Robert (Maria), and Charles; sister-in-law, Betty Wilhelm; brother-in-law, Kermit “Cy” (Marjorie) Gavigan; many, many nieces & nephews & grand nieces, nephews; and a host of friends from all stages of her life.
Mary was a happy, satisfied person who readily accepted life as it rolled out. She was most passionate about her family and her faith, was an avid reader, writer of mostly short stories and poems (some published), her family history, Yankee fan (every pitch), and making maple syrup. She was an accomplished knitter, crocheter (taught many adult classes) and seamstress. She was a teacher at Hilton Central School for 22 years. She belonged to many organizations and served on many committees mostly in the community and her church.
Calling hours were held on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., 735 East Avenue in Hilton. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Church in Spencerport. A Memorial Luncheon will follow the Mass. Private Inurnment in St. John’s Cemetery.
Memorial Donations can be made to the Hilton Fire Dept., 120 Old Hojack Lane, Hilton, NY 14468; Honor Flight Rochester, Inc., PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692; Hilton Parma Emergency Food Shelf, 59 Henry Street, Hilton, NY, 14468; or the Parma Public Library, 7 West Avenue, Hilton, NY 14468 in Mary’s memory.
