Obituary of Mary Clare

Mary Clare (Маруся Підцирковна Клир)

1947-2023

Mary Clare, 75, of Syracuse, NY, passed away on July 18, 2023 on route to Crouse Hospital. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Debbie. Debbie made it her mission and promise to her father, Jerry, who passed on Valentine’s Day of this year, to care for her mom in the comfort of their home until God called her home to be with him in Heaven. Debbie was honored to have been able to pay it forward and become the primary caregiver for her mom, becoming her personal RN, mastering her feeding tube and  wound care treatment.

Mary was the only child of Pearl and Milton Pidcerkowny. She was born in Germany during the Cold War as her parents worked their way to a better life in the United States of America. They arrived in Ellis Island and moved to Syracuse, NY not knowing English. Her parents instilled the values of hard work, family, and unconditional love. 

Mary went to Ukrainian Catholic School at St. John the Baptist Academy and later graduated from Mitchell College in Statesboro, North Carolina. After college she returned to Syracuse and through her mother was introduced to her future husband, Jerry. It was love at first sight and they were wed within three months and remained very happily married.

Mary enjoyed starting Jerry’s Carpet’s with her husband and cherished the time they spent working together every day. She held down the fort as a salesperson in the store and would deploy Jerry out for measurements and installations. One day Mary said “Jerry, if you buy me a Cadillac Eldorado, I’ll learn to drive!” Late Christmas Eve in 1981, Jerry pulled up honking the horn in a brand new, white, Cadillac Eldorado with red leather seats. The exterior was detailed with the red-letter M for Mary. Sadly, she never learned to drive. The car has less than 2,000 miles, but she always knew it was hers. In addition to collecting Mackenzie Childs Courtly Check items, Mary also loved sweets and always said before a meal, “Let’s start with dessert to ensure we don’t get filled up and then not have room for it!”  

Mary loved rescuing animals and enjoyed her extended family of pets along with all the critters that visited their backyard. She will undoubtedly be missed by her friend and all those that knew her but especially by her loving daughter, Debbie. They had a special bond that will never be broken.  God bless Mary as she is now reunited with her parents and loving husband of 53 years.

Calling hours will be 1pm to 3pm Monday, July 24, at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St. Syracuse, NY.

Funeral Service will be 3:30pm Monday, July 24, at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 207 Tompkins St., Syracuse, NY.