NORWICH – Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Aldrich, age 92, of Rising Sun, Md., formerly of Norwich and Wilmington, Del., died on Monday, July 21, 2008, at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun.
Born in Norwich on Dec. 9, 1915, Mrs. Aldrich was a daughter of the late George Willis Elliott and Pearl Helfer Elliott. She was a 1934 graduate of Norwich High School and lived in Norwich most of her life.
Mary was the first female student accepted into Architectural Engineering at Penn State University, completing 3 years of studies before leaving school to support her family. She was a lifetime member of the National Council of Phi Mu Fraternity. She never stopped learning, taking numerous colleges, university and training courses.
After college, Mary served as a clerk for the DL&W Railroad Freight office in Norwich. During World War II she worked as an Assistant Standards Engineer for the Bendix Corporation in Sidney. She was the AV Coordinator and Assistant Librarian in the Norwich Junior High School for 14 years. After “retiring” in 1978, she remained active with the Chenango County Cooperative Extension, serving on the board. She served on the Advisory Committee for 60 Plus Nutrition program in Chenango County and was program chair for Norwich for nine years.
Mary was always active in the community. As a 4-H leader she was involved with young people always instilling a “can do” attitude. She used her life to instill confidence in her children and others. She assisted with 4-H programs. Home Economic Committee and scholarship programs for Cornell University. She served on several boards and committees associated with church, school and the extension. She served on the Chenango County Historical Society, instructed 55 ALIVE programs in the Norwich area and worked with the Sheriff’s Department to improve senior citizen safety awareness.
Active in the Order of the Eastern Star, including serving as Matron, she received her 50 year recognition in 1988.
Along with her husband Wes, Mary started the Plymouth Reservoir Lot Owners Association in 1962. She was Secretary Treasurer of the South Plymouth Cemetery Association for 10 years.
Mary loved music. She played the concert harp in orchestras and at funerals, using the money to help pay for college. There was always music in her home and she passed her love of melody on to her children.
She adored her family, always putting them first. Her love, sense of humor, and encouragement were evident in all that she did for those around her. Mary loved nature, especially birds, knowing many by their lovely songs. Known as an avid reader and story writer, she instilled her love for knowledge and books in her children and grandchildren. Known for her smile, pleasantness and kindness, she will be missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Wesley R. Aldrich, in 2002, and by a son, Richard Elliott Aldrich, in 1997. She is survived by her son, William Rutherford and wife, Karen, of Metuchen, N.J.; daughter, Barbara A. Finch and husband, Alfred of Bear, Del.; stepson, Wesley Aldrich and wife, Elaine, of Princeton, W.Va.; stepdaughter, Shirley Porter and husband, Gilbert, of Manlius; and three granddaughters, Cheryl A. Zaron and husband, Michael, of Ellicott City, Md.; Elizabeth Rutherford of Havre de Grace, Md.; and Susan Rutherford of Troy.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad Street, Norwich, where friends may call after 3 p.m. Interment will follow in South Plymouth Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Resident Council Nursing Scholarship Fund, c/o Calvert Manor Healthcare Center, 1881 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911.