Mary F. Cater

Mary F. Cater passed away peacefully at her home on February 6th with her family at her side. Mary was born on August 17th, 1944 in the Bronx, NY, to John Horgan and Mary (Fregeau) Horgan. Mary is survived by the love of her life and husband of 60 years, Melvin Cater, her son Matthew Cater (Donna), her daughter Elizabeth (Michael Collier) LeGere and her three grandchildren, Cody and Caroline (Angelo DeSalvo) Cater and Hanna LeGere, her brother John Horgan (Sue), her brother-in-law Herbert (Yvonne) Cater, sister-in-law Ruth (Cater) Dexter and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents along with her twin sister Marilyn (Horgan) Wetzel, brother-in-law Kenneth (Tiny) Wetzel, brother-in-law Charlie Dexter, her son-in-law Terence LeGere and her sister-in-law Arline Guest.

On March, 7th 1964, Melvin and Mary were married in Amityville, NY. Mary's mother-in-law said 'Mel married a city girl.' And her mother-in-law loved her from day one. In 1965, Mary and Melvin moved from Long Island to upstate New York to raise their family. Family and friends were everything to Mary. Whenever anyone would ask if we could set one more plate for an occasion, she would always smile and say, 'the more, the merrier.' Mary was always smiling.

She loved camping with Mel and many family members and friends. Camping trips to Cape Cod, Maine, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island were a yearly event. Her and Mel would pack the kids and family up for Sunday drives to no where in particular. Mel and Mary also spent 18 years at the Adirondack Foothills RV Campground on Great Sacandaga Reservoir, where she would spend countless hours on the beach with her grandkids and family. Mary always loved a good party.

She loved watching both her children and her grandchildren grow up and attending all of their sporting and school events, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, cheerleading and music concerts. She was always on the sidelines cheering us all on.

Mary had many cherished times with her children and their friends. She was an avid New York Yankees fan and went every time she was asked by her son, daughter-in-law and their friends. She loved the old Yankee Stadium. Mary and her daughter would go to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to listen to the orchestra. One of Mary's favorite things was to take her grandchildren to the Altamont Fair on her birthday. She always said that was her gift to herself.

Mary took pictures at all of the occasions, parties and celebrations throughout the year. Every Christmas she would put a photo album together for her kids as gifts. That was always our favorite Christmas gift.

Mary was employed at Planned Parenthood for 40 years as a receptionist and was an advocate for women's health even after she retired. She was a member of Hope Club, a cancer survivor's support group. Mary and Mel also loved going to the auction and had reserved seats with their friends.

Mary's family would like to give special thanks to her doctors, the providers at Ellis Hospital, Hospice Community Care and Kingsway Community for their compassionate care.

In honor of Mary's life, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society. Flowers can be sent to the Bond Funeral home.

Funeral arrangements will take place at Bond Funeral Home in Schenectady, NY on Wednesday, February 12th with visiting hours from 3:00 - 4:30 and a funeral to immediately follow at 4:30. A post celebration of Mary's life will take place at 5:30 at the Turf Tavern in Scotia.
--