NORWICH – The first-ever Mary Jane Prindle Memorial Golf Tournament will commence at noon this Friday to honor a woman deeply loved and admired by her family, her friends and her community – in both life and death.

The gathering at the Canasawacta Country Club will also honor and benefit Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, the caregivers who eased the hearts and minds of Mary Jane and her family in their greatest time of need.

“Mary Jane was a person who loved life,” said widower and event organizer Walter Prindle, whose wife passed away from cancer in October. “She positively influenced a lot of people in this area.” Prindle referenced his late wife’s long career as a dental hygienist, and the many friends she made as a result of that occupation.

He also took time to commend the work of Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, and the overly caring and indiscriminate care they provided for Mary Jane and her family, whether it was counseling, nursing, medication, and general help in providing the highest comfort level possible.

“They made a huge difference in our lives,” he said. “I don’t know what we would’ve done without them at that point.”