Mary Kay Yanaitis

September 28, 2023

Taking her last flight of her life, Mary Kay Yanaitis, 74, left this world on September 28, 2023.

Mary was the eldest child of Edward and Dorothy (Bidwell) Yanaitis. Born in Rochester NY on March 2, 1949, she was educated in Rochester and graduated from the Pioneer Class of Bishop Kearney High School in 1966. She attended Nazareth College (later graduating from St. Leo’s University) until the travel bug struck.

When she realized she needed cash to get on a plane, she began a career at KODAK. Then realizing that traveling would be cheaper working for a travel agency job, she began her long career with the Automobile Club of America. With this job she learned how to get on and off planes, boats, and buses, still looking like she had just boarded.

She moved to Europe and lived there working for the military travel agency and learning the many sites in Europe to be the tour guide for many, many tours during her 2 years in Europe. Returning to the US she moved to Florida and settled in Tampa to work at AAA Southwest until her retirement due to her diagnosis of Dementia.

Mary moved north to be close to family who could help her out. The dreaded disease took a toll on her and she was unable to live without daily care by medical help. She made the most out of the move to an Assisted living home and was loved by those who cared for her. She enjoyed the arts and crafts times there and movie nights.

Mary leaves behind her brother Stephen Yanaitis, Watertown NY, and her sister Elizabeth (Yanaitis) Daugherty and husband Bruce. Her nephew Daniel Daugherty and wife Kelly and two children Caitlin and Brendan. Her niece Christin Filippelli and husband Anthony and three children Anthony, Joseph, and Ian. Mary’s parents are both deceased.

Services will be private at the family’s convenience. The burial will be in Newark NY Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton and online condolences to her family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

The family asks that in memory of Mary you take a walk on the beach, take a long nap with your favorite blanket, eat an ice cream very slowly or eat something chocolate (cake, candy or cookies does not matter) and enjoy all the beauty that God has given us by taking a trip and telling everyone about it.

Comments

#8 Patricia Modzel Dick 2023-10-03 10:44

We were classmates/grad uates of the pioneer class from BK. Looks like you had a full enjoyable life on earth. May you now enjoy the “final frontier”.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may she rest in peace.

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#7 Lin Fields 2023-10-01 18:10

I am truly sorry for the passing of such a wonderful woman. I knew MK through Maryellen, and she was such a funloving person! Dementia is a cruel killer.... I'm so glad she had so many memories to live on for her... Stephen. Bruce and Liz.... Pat and I are sending our healing hugs to you (even though Pat didn't know her).... she is in heaven remembering all of the fun she had and watching over you!

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#6 Maryanne Schiffner 2023-10-01 15:52

Mary was my neighbor and good friend here in Clearwater, FL. We walked our dogs together and came back to my front porch to chill. She was a wonderful person, smiled a lot, and will truly be remembered in my heart. Rest in peace Mary, the pain is over. Good bless you and your family.

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#5 Lenore Ventura 2023-10-01 10:52

Sending deepest sympathy to the family. I met Mary K through her cousins, Bob and Mary Ellen, when we were all teenagers. Although we lost touch over the years, I'll always remember her fun-loving, warm nature and sense of adventure.

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#4 Stephen Yanaitis 2023-10-01 09:53

Mary K. was a sister, to me, one of two that I was lucky enough to have while I have been blessed to have while here on earth. We have had our disagreements in the past as all siblings do. As far as a sister goes my sister (Mary) had all the respect and love that I was able to give her.
I truly believe that she is now up in Heaven with my parents and keeping that careful eye on the rest of our family that is left on earth.

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#3 David Cross 2023-09-30 12:36

We didn’t personally have the pleasure of meeting Mary Kay but we do know her family never knew a stranger. Anyone they meet is welcomed and treated like family. She definitely comes from “good people”. So sorry for your loss at this emotional time. Keep all the fun memories close to your hearts.

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#2 Bob Yanaitis 2023-09-30 11:43

Mary,
You led a wonderful and fulfilling life. Rest in peace.
Your cousin,
Bob

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#1 Charlie Yanaitis 2023-09-30 10:16

My condolences to the family on the passing of Mary Kay. She's in a better place now.

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