Mary C. Christoffel

Christoffel, Mary C. SCHENECTADY Mary C. Christoffel (nee Kirby), 73, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 20, 2007. Born in Pennsylvania on April 16, 1934, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Anna Kirby of Swoyer-ville, Pa. She was a graduate of St. Anne's Academy, Wilkes Barre, Pa. and Marywood University, Scranton, Pa. She taught in the Dover, N.J. school system for two years. In June 1957 she married Robert Christoffel, in Holy Name of Jesus Church in Dwoyerville, Pa. and moved to Schenectady, where she lived the rest of her life. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bob, and their children, Thomas and Ann Christoffel of Clifton Park, N.Y., Kathy and Kim Kaiser of Scotia, N.Y., Annie and Andrew Wood of Lumberton, N.J. and Helen and Thomas Stecher, of Glenville, N.Y. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kevin Kaiser, Kati and Becky Christoffel, Abby and Lexie Wood and Melinda and Sam Stecher. Mary was deeply involved with her family, church and numerous charitable organizations. She was particularly active in supporting Bethesda House, Concern for the Hungry and SICM. She was also active in the Marywood Alumnae Association. Mary was a "people person" who took great pleasure in helping others. She was actively involved with St. Helen's School and Church, volunteering in the school while her children attended. Subsequently she was a lector, eucharistic minister, trustee and member of several church committees, including the pastoral care committee. One of her proudest projects was her involvement with the St. Helen's Bethlehem Tree. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helen's Church, 1803 Union St., Schenectady, N.Y. on Wednesday, October 24 at 10:30 a.m. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., Schenectady, N.Y. on Tuesday, October 23 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Burial will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Bethesda House, 418 Liberty St., Schenectady, NY 12305 or Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union St, Schenectady, NY 12308