Obituary of Mary Louise Congdon

Mary Louise Congdon, 88 of Cortland passed away on October 23, 2024, at her house surrounded by her loving family. Mary Louise was born April 30, 1936, a daughter of the late Wendell D. and Freeda V. Southwick Ufford. She was predeceased by her loving husband and high school sweetheart, Leonard I. Congdon. Mary Louise graduated from Cincinnatus Central School and went on to receive an associate degree from Ithaca College in Secretary Science. She worked at Brockway Motor Truck as an Executive Secretary and Bookkeeper. Then she worked as the New York State Commissioner of Jurors and Law Librarian, retiring after 37 years. Mary Louise had an incredible impact on her community through her faithful dedication and active Church life over the last 60+ years, with Christ Community Church being her current active membership. Throughout these years, her commitment to serve her church, fellow parishioners and community included but was not limited to Youth and Women's Fellowship, Mission, Choir, and Sunday school teacher. Her dependable devotion to serve did not end with her church life. She was there for those that needed help with transportation to a doctor's appointment, pick-up groceries, or to ensure someone could attend church services. Always able and willing to lend a helping hand no matter the circumstances. She loved music and was blessed to have the ability to express this passion when playing the piano, flute, and as an active member of the Seven Valley Chorus, Sweet Adelines and the White Chapel Bell Ringers. She was a volunteer and donor for the local American Red Cross, Cortland Repertory Theatre, and YWCA. She was an active member of many clubs including Genealogy, Historical Society, Senior Group and Lunch Bunch. She shared her sports enjoyment with her family through baseball, football, and local noon time volleyball in her earlier years. Her family admired her dedication to serving and took great pride in the impact she made for so many. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren as she shared her family updates. She was a passionate gardener, whose blackberries, currents, gladiolus, and flower harvests were admired and shared with all. Mary Louise is survived by her loving children, Colleen G. (Eric) Trinkle, Wendy P. (Christopher) Charron, Randy O. (Michelle) Congdon, Jaclyn M. MacKinnon (Rajendra Maraj), grandchildren, Jolene Trinkle (Warren McIlwain), Elijah (Robyn) Trinkle, Casey Charron, Cameron Charron, Caden O. Congdon, great grandchildren, Joel Trinkle, Willow Deragon, Aspen McIlwain, Dorian Trinkle, Elliot Trinkle, Nora Trinkle, sisters in law, Louise Ufford, Carol Ufford, Sharon Congdon, Shirley Congdon, brother in law, Leroy, Ed, Steve Congdon and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be 10 AM to 12 PM, Tuesday, October 29 at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Lincoln Avenue, Cortland. Funeral services will follow at 12 PM. Burial will follow at Cortland Rural Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation which can be made to a charity of choice. To offer condolences online visit www.wright-beard.com