Obituary of Mary Catherine Montgomery

CANISTEO – Mary Catherine Montgomery – 73 – of 1207 Hoskins Terrace, Bel Air, Maryland lost her courageous battle with leukemia at Johns Hopkins Hospital on Friday morning (April 8, 2022). Her family surrounded her as she fought to the absolute end. Born in Hornell, NY, on September 8, 1948, Mary was the daughter of the late Mike and Mamie Essa. Mary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966). She went on to study accounting at Bryant and Stratton in Buffalo, where not only did she prepare herself for her career but also created lifelong friendships. Mary began her professional career working for Aces at Alfred State College before joining Steuben Trust in Hornell. The majority of her career was spent at the Canisteo Savings & Loan, from which she retired to enjoy her love for the sun and sand. As her kids were growing up, Mary could be found helping out at various sporting events in Canisteo, including Little League and "midget" football. She loved the Canisteo Valley and was always willing to lend a hand. Mary had a passion for crafts and loved to paint. If you check the homes of family and friends, you are sure to find one of her special projects. It was no secret that Mary loved spending the winter months at her home in Largo, Florida. She loved her walks on the beach searching for seashells, exploring new places, her trips to the Lebanese market, and most of all, her "Florida family." During the summer months, Mary cherished her family time at "the lake," where she created countless memories. If she wasn't in Florida or the Canisteo Valley, she could be found in Maryland spending time with her kids and grandkids. She was a "family" person who loved big and smiled bigger. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Lee Montgomery. There was no greater testament to their marriage than watching the unconditional love and support they showed for one another during Mary's battle. In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her sons, Steven (Kellie) and David (Jenna), both from Bel Air, MD; three grandchildren, Ella, Abby, and Mason; grand-dog Piper; Sister In-law, Pat Bixby (Mike); several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her infant daughter Stephanie, in-laws Richard and Jean Montgomery; her brother Fred "Blackie” Deebs; Sister-in-law Thomasine "Tommie" Deebs, and "Special Nephew" Tim Deebs. At Mary's request, there will be a private visitation and service for the family. The final Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Mary's dear family friend Daniel Simons in Maryland and the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo. In lieu of flowers, Mary's family requests that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).