Obituary of Mary K. Malone

age 98, passed away peacefully at her home at Appleridge Senior Living, Horseheads, on September 12, 2014. Mary was born in Elmira on May 12, 1916, daughter of the late Joseph L. and Mabel Playford Kane. She was predeceased by her husband, J. Bernard Malone, her parents and her sister, Bernadette Kane Lynch. Left to cherish her memory are her six children and their spouses: Bernadette (James McMahon) of Washington DC; Kathleen (aka Kristin) of Rochester; TJ (Mary) of Elmira; Patty (Phil Kwiatkowski) of Arvada, CO; John (Jill) of Pine City; and Ginny (Tom Coon) of Corning. She also leaves eight grandchildren: Joseph McMahon (Bridget), Kelley Malone Knight (Dana), Kevin McMahon, Michael Malone, Molly Malone, Sarah Coon Rosskamm (Michael), Ryan Malone, and Timothy Coon (Natalie); and four great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Charlie, and Patrick Coon and Adelaide McMahon. Mary graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1933 and studied office skills in a post-graduate program at Southside High School. She worked at the Remington Rand in Elmira until her wartime marriage to Bernie in Coronado, CA, on March 2, 1942. For many years, she worked at home raising her children while Bernie ran Personius and Malone retail store in downtown Elmira. From 1975 to 1985, they jointly owned and operated Malone's Liquor Store on East Church Street. Throughout Mary's life she contributed to her community in various capacities. This included membership and presidency of the St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary; serving as the first woman lector at St. Mary's Southside parish, where she also was an active member and President of the Rosary and Altar Society. Upon retirement Mary and Bernie delivered Meals on Wheels. Mary greatly loved her family and friends, bowling, and picnics, any kind of card game, but especially bridge. Once retired, Mary joined a painting class at Chapel Park Senior Center, enjoying weekly sessions when she and Bernie weren't traveling around the U S in their camper. The addition of great-grandchildren to the family brought tremendous joy to her two years ago. She made many new friends during the nine years she and Bernie lived at Appleridge. The family wishes to thank staff members from Appleridge Senior Living, Bethany Home Health Care and CareFirst hospice for the gentle care they offered to Mary. At Mary's request, her body has been donated to the University of Rochester Medical School to further medical research in geriatrics. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on September 29, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Southside Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be directed to St. Mary's Church Southside, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira NY 14904 or the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, 150 French Road, Rochester NY 14618.