Mary D. Calnon, 99, formerly of Potsdam and Massena

Mary D. Calnon, 99, passed away on August 21, 2010 at Highland Hospital in Rochester, New York surrounded by her loving family. A long-time resident of upstate New York, Mrs. Calnon had lived with family in Spencerport, New York for the past six years.

She was born in Potsdam on March 1, 1911 to Jeremiah and Nora Sullivan Donahue. Raised on the family farm, she attended Potsdam Schools and graduated as Valedictorian of Potsdam High School in 1927. She received a certificate in teaching from Potsdam Normal School and later earned a Masters in Education from SUNY Potsdam.

Mary was an elementary teacher in Massena Central Schools for 39 years, retiring in 1973. Education was a mainstay of her life and she was honored as SUNY Potsdam Alumni Teacher of the Year. She mentored numerous education students and young teachers over her career.

Mary was united in marriage to Robert M. Calnon of Winthrop in 1942 at services in White Plains. Following WWII, the couple resided at the Calnon farm in Stockholm Center. Following Bob’s death in 1971, Mary moved to Randall Drive in Massena.

She is survived by sons Dr. Thomas (Suzanne) Calnon of Norwalk, CT. and Dr. William (Mary Kay) Calnon of Spencerport, NY. She is also survived by grandchildren Danielle (Steve) Martin, Gregory (Marie) Calnon, Dr. Christopher (Dr. Jennifer) Calnon and Timothy Calnon. She also leaves behind three nieces and countless friends and former students.

Calling hours will be 4 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at the Phillips Memorial Home, 64 Andrews Street, Massena. Mary’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church, 212 Main Street, Massena. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Brasher Falls.

Mary was a devoted member of Massena Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and an active member of the Northern Zone of the New York State Retired Teachers Association.

The family requests that anyone wishing to contribute to charity in Mary’s memory, please consider Trinity Catholic School, 188 Main Street, Massena, New York 13662, Highland Hospital Foundation, 1000 South Avenue, Rochester, New York 14620 or St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Rd. Norwalk, CT 06851.

Online condolences may be made to www.phillipsmemorial.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena.