Obituary of Mary L. Canute

Springwater – Mary L. Canute, 75 years of age, passed away early Saturday evening October 24th, 2015 at her home. Mary was born March 26th, 1940 in Hornell the daughter of Francis and Lois (Stuart) Granger. She grew up in the Bath area and as a young girl she moved to Atlanta and graduated from Wayland Central School in 1958. Mary and Thomas L. Canute Sr. were married April 11th, 1959 at St. Joseph’s Church and together celebrated over 56 years of marriage. Mary’s employment career spanned a few different areas throughout the years. She worked at Westinghouse in Bath until their children were born. Once the children attended school she started polishing fishing spoons for Miller Lures for almost ten years. Mary then was employed at the NYS Unemployment Office in Dansville until the office closed. Her final job was as an assistant for Wilcox Auctions. Mary’s hobbies were many throughout the years. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting and her flower gardens. However her heart and energy was as a volunteer. Mary was an avid volunteer. She was very active in the Springwater American Legion Auxiliary, achieving the rank of President within the county auxiliary. Mary manned the Springwater Fire Dept. phones prior to the automatic service as well as being a member of the Fire Dept. Auxiliary. She also volunteered at the American Red Cross during emergencies, house fires and during blood drives. Mary went about her volunteering not in need of recognition; she was just satisfied with helping others. Mary was pre-deceased by her parents; her son Terence L. Canute; siblings, Iva Drake, Doris Kirkum, Lee Granger, Clinton Granger and infant brother, Clarence Granger. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Thomas L. Canute Sr. of Springwater; her children, Carlene (Miguel) Negron of SC, Theodore L. Canute of Springwater and Thomas L. Jr. (Jacqueline) Canute of Springwater; her grandchildren, Kasey (Tom), Meredith, Anthony (Crystal), Sabrina (Roman), Brandon and Benjamin; her step-grandchildren, Stephanie, Karen and Steven; 12 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Esther Crane, Katherine (Bob) Herceg, Francis Granger, Thurston Granger, Alfred (Vera) Granger and Fred Granger; sister-in-law Patty Granger; along with several nieces and nephews. Mary’s internment and committal service will be private at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Springwater on Thursday. A 'Celebration of Mary's Life' will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 from 1:00 pm – until, at the Springwater Fire Hall, Main Street, Springwater, NY 14560. Memorial contributions in Mary L. Canute’s memory may be made to the Vincent House, 310 Second Ave., Wayland, NY 14572.