Mary K. (Apgar) Stoddard's Obituary
Mary K. (Apgar) Stoddard, 83, of Cicero, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Upstate University Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Pennsylvania and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1957, and attended Cortland State Teachers College – Elementary Education, and was a member of Sigma Delta Phi Sorority. In the Fall of 1961, she taught at Main Street Elementary School, North Syracuse Public School District, and continued teaching at Main Street for 14 + years. She became a Teacher’s Union representative for NYS United Teachers Union and assisted teachers’ unions to negotiate contracts and assist with contractual issues. Mary was a dedicated Labor Relations Specialist for 25 years. She started her career in 1976 and retired in 2001. Mary was highly respected and part of the 1st generation of teacher leaders and staff that formed New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).
She was predeceased by her parents, Keith and Kathryn Apgar; her sister, Anne Cooke, and brother, John Apgar.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, James A. Stoddard; her two children, Dr. Steven (Jeanine) Kassman, and Laurie (Daniel) Pliss; stepchildren, James A. (Jennifer) Stoddard, Jr., Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Meyers, John (Sandra) Stoddard, Sarah (Chris) Courtright, and Steven (Kristy) Stoddard; 14 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; a brother, Frederick Apgar; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service in celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR FUNERAL HOME, with burial to follow in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Baldwinsville. Family and friends may call on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
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