Mary Wright passed away on September 16, 2020. Mary was born in Pine Hill, Pennsylvania on April 11, 1926. She was predeceased by her parents Steve and Helen Bruce, husband John, sister Helen Chalachan and brother Steve Bruce. She is survived by her sons Randy and Scott (Cecilia), brother John Bruce (Nancy), sister Evelyn Baldwin and loving nieces Laurie and Holly Baldwin. Also, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary grew up in the First Ward on Mygatt Street. After graduating from Binghamton Central High in 1944, she worked briefly at Landers Company and Fowlers Department Store where she made lifelong friends. Mary worked as a telephone operator for 42 years at AT&T and was a proud union member of the Communication Workers of America. She was a life-long member of St. Michaels Church. Her favorite hobbies were playing bingo, taking bus trips to Atlantic City and going to Tioga Downs to play the slot machines. Mary was a big fan of the Yankees during the Derek Jeter years and Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan era. She enjoyed watching Tiger Woods during his peak years. Her favorite entertainer by far was Elvis Presley and she went to see "The King" at his 1977 Arena concert.

Mary was a long-time resident of Sunrise Terrace prior to spending her later years at Elizabeth Church Manor. The family would like to thank the staff at Elizabeth Church Manor especially Faith, Joanie and Tina for their kind care and concern.

Here's a poem by Helen Steiner Rice that helped Mary during times of sorrow.

When I Must Leave You

"When I must leave you for a little while,
Please go on bravely with a gallant smile
And for my sake and in my name,
Live on and do all the things the same-
Spend not your life in empty days,
But fill each waking hour in useful ways-
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer,
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.

At Mary's request funeral services were privately held.
Donations can made in Mary's name to St. Michaels Greek Orthodox Church, 296 Clinton St. Binghamton, NY 13905.

Kindly share your reflections of Mary on her guestbook at Chopyak-Scheider.com.