Obituary of Mary Ida Fanning

Mary Ida Ferguson Fanning, cherished daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, diet technician, organist, and friend, passed away peacefully at the Eastern Star Home in Oriskany, New York, on June 22, 2022, at the age of 85 from heart disease.

Mary was born in Westmoreland, New York on April 27, 1937, the daughter of Carl and Gladys (Clark) Ferguson.  She was raised in Westmoreland with her family moving to Madison when she was a sophomore in high school.  Mary was a 1955 graduate of Madison Central School, a 1957 graduate of SUNY Morrisville with an Associate Degree in Applied Science (Food Service Administration), and a 1982 graduate of SUNY College of Technology holding a Bachelor of Science Degree (Vocational Technical Education).  Mary was employed as a diet technician at various local facilities including Hamilton Hospital (10 years), Faxton Hospital (26 years), and the Eastern Star Home (10 years), serving much of her career as Director of Nutrition Services.   She was a longtime resident of the Waterville area.

Mary was a talented and passionate organist who loyally played for area churches for more than 50 years, most notably serving the Waterville United Methodist Church where she was a longtime constituent.  She was actively involved in the OES Bell Tower Chapter 188 holding the offices of Matron, Secretary, and Musician.  OES Grand Chapter State of New York positions she was chosen for included District Deputy (1991) and Grand Musician (2002).

Survivors include children, Denneice Fanning and David [Robin] Fanning; grandchildren Mark [Charles] Fanning and Ethan Fanning; siblings Joyce Cornelius and John [Carol] Ferguson; and many nieces and nephews.  Mary is predeceased by her parents, daughter Valerie Harris, and brothers Frank and Charles Ferguson.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the Eastern Star Chapel, 8290 State Route 69, Oriskany, New York, with the Rev. Robert Wollaber officiating. 

Burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday, June 27, 2022, at the Boonville Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Boonville, New York.  Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service.

Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to The Eastern Star Home & Campus, 8290 State Route 69, PO Box 959, Oriskany, NY 13424.