Obituary of Mary K. Standish

Mary K. Standish, 82, of Rexford, died peacefully at home surrounded by her daughters on June 22, 2017.  She was born on November 4, 1934, in Ogdensburg, NY, and was the daughter of the late Edward J. and Florence E. MacGregor.

Mary was known for her sense of humor, her kind heart, and her many passions.  In 1964 she moved from Saranac Lake to Schenectady with her six daughters, and raised them by herself.  Mary worked for many years at the Barnsider Restaurant.  She met and married the love of her life, Bob, in 1973.  She was a talented artist whose paintings adorn the walls of many friends’ and family members’ homes.  She loved “digging in the dirt,” to create her beautiful gardens.  She and Bob spent over 35 years living in their dream underground house, which they designed and built.  It was their favorite place to be.  They started “Handy Saws,” a craft business, after retirement, and developed a large following of customers who thoroughly enjoyed their home shows. Mary was a phenomenal cook, and an avid reader.  She loved to read the bible, and enjoyed all of the classes she took with her friends from church.  What Mary loved most, however, was her family.  She felt so blessed to be the mother of six daughters, and they were her pride and joy, always.

Mary’s daughters have always marveled at her strength.  At just 9 years old, she had lost both of her parents.  She endured all of life’s trials and tribulations with a steely resolve, and refused to ever ask, “Why me?”  She was “whiskey in a teacup,” and her strength is part of her enduring legacy.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Robert M. Standish, and her brother, Malcolm MacGregor.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Marcia (Kim Koprince) Branch of Holyoke, MA, Jayne (Lee Strick) Branch of Mt. Vernon, WA, Bonnie Branch of Easthampton, MA, Annie Branch of Clifton Park, Bernie (Robert) Gardner of Clifton Park and Mary Kay (Bruce) Dahn of Hamden, MA; and her grandchildren, Tyler Fogarty, Lauren and Leah Gardner, Jaden Branch-Whinnery, and Paige Dahn.  She is also survived by Joan Branch, her best friend of 73 years, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.   Mary also leaves behind her beloved cat, VanGogh.

Please join Mary’s family for a celebration of her life on Tuesday, June 27th, at 5:00 pm, at Jonesville United Methodist Church in Jonesville.  The family will receive relatives and friends at a gathering in Fellowship Hall immediately following the celebration.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.