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Mary Kiefer Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Kiefer
lisa david
October 23, 2007
Sorry about the death!!!
6West Nursing Staff
October 17, 2007
Dear Kiefer family,
Please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of Mary. She was a patient on our floor. We will miss seeing and spending time with her. She spoke very highly of her children and grandchildren. No words can ease your pain, but keep in mind that your Mom has found eternal Peace and Comfort in the Lord's loving arms.
Elenora Hildebrand
October 16, 2007
On behalf of the Western Zone of the New York State Retired Teachers' Association (NYSRTA) I extend my sympathy and prayers. In Mary's memory, a donation will be made to the Robert DeCormier NYSRTA Fund, which assists retired educators in need. May she rest in peace!
Thomas Evans
October 16, 2007
Mrs. Kiefer was a tremendous teacher who influenced everyone she came in contact with in a positive way. Her dedication to her students and City Honors was unprecedented, and she will be greatly missed.
Holly Valente
October 15, 2007
Mary is my sister-in-law and a beloved friend. To be a part of her family is a great gift and she was, is and always will be a person I love.
October 14, 2007
I read somewhere that to live in this world, you must be able to do three things: To love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.
I sit here, one day after the funeral of my dear friend, Mary, and I cannot let her go. To grieve her passing, is a way to keep her close to me in my mind and in my heart. When the grieving ends, what then?
She was more than my colleague and my friend . . she was part of an extended family of strong, wise, witty, inspirational women, and I was so blessed to know her and share her love.
Lillian Altreuter
October 14, 2007
Mrs. Kiefer was the teacher who, when I was in fifth grade, made me feel like I really belonged in City Honors. She was a wonderful teacher and a wonderful person, and I will really miss her.
TODD & MARY LYNN BIERON
October 14, 2007
SORRY TO HER ABOUT YOUR LOSE. IF YOU GUYS NEED ANYTHING WE'RE JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY.
Kathleen Barnes
October 13, 2007
Dear Amy, AJ, Brendan, and Betsy,
Unfortunately, I know how this feels. I am so sorry to hear about your mother...my mom called me at work on Wednesday to tell me.
I remember going over to your house in the city when my sister and I were little kids and having a great time...also Bernie falling down your staircase ;-) I remember you also coming out to our house in the sticks a few times.
Your mom was an outstanding person and always sent my parents the nicest cards and letters over the years.
God bless all of you and take care during this very difficult time.
Love,
Kathleen.
Julie Null (Smith)
October 13, 2007
Dear Brendan, AJ, Amy and Betsy,
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Your mom was an amazing woman and a great friend to our family. I have many fond memories of life on Highland Avenue, and I hope your own fond memories will sustain you through this tough time.
Lizzie Lodinsky
October 13, 2007
Ms. Kiefer has influenced me so much on all of life. I will always remember her wisdom, strength, warmth, and love for all. I will miss her so much.
Meghan Cummings
October 13, 2007
Dear Betsy and the Kiefer Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. As though I only met your mother once, I knew how much a great and strong person she was through the words that Betsy used to describe her!
With Sympathy,
Meghan Cummings and Brian Schroeder
Seth Triggs
October 12, 2007
It is very sad to hear this news...you will be very much missed. Though I never had the opportunity to take one of your classes, it was a great thing whenever you would say hi to me as I passed in the hallway.
Sharon Valente
October 12, 2007
Dear Kiefer and Valente Family,
Love, Courage, Strength and Peace...She walked in Grace.
Connor Lesniak
October 12, 2007
Mary Kiefer's influence on me in my last CHS years was profound. I left the school with a sense of understanding of my surroundings and zeal for the future because of her. The IB gift to her is a testament to the way our class feels, and I'm sure I'm not alone when I express the impact she had on all of us. When college applicationss rolled around she was there to quell our angst and provide guidance to all-not only IB candidates, but student council members and new teachers. Her wisdom was always well dispensed, and in the worst of times Mrs. Kiefer found a way to look up. We all will miss her dearly.
On a personal note, giving such a person my art is one of the best and most emotionally charged memories I have.
No words can completely convey how I feel about Mrs. Kiefer. She will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Chambers
October 12, 2007
I feel so much a part of your family and because of that I share the loss of your mother with great sympathy. I wish that I could be with all of you now, but I am so thankful that I was able to be with your family and Mary this past weekend. She was a great lady and her strength always made me feel stronger when I was able to talk to her and share e-mails with her. May God be with all of you in the days ahead.
Nikolas Albarran
October 12, 2007
Mrs. Kiefer was an incredible woman. I am privileged to have had her as a teacher for my first year in French. She was the first teacher that I looked up to at City Honors. She always had a smile on her face and was always reaching out to help others. The world has lost an amazing person.
Silvia Galante-Denning
October 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Moira Quinn
October 12, 2007
Betsy...your work family at Charlotte Center City Partners is grieving with you, Alexa and Tommy. Your mother must have been a special woman to have raised such an remarkable daughter...we can see it in your every day and in the spirit that you have passed to your beautiful daughter Alexa. May God spread the shelter of His peace and comfort over you as you celebrate your mother's accomplishmens, her love for your entire family and the joy she had in life.
Adam Gearing
October 12, 2007
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mary Kiefer's passing. She was a great lady for whom I had immense respect and fondness. At the end of the last school year, I was preparing to leave City Honors' faculty and move to the Chicago area. Mary, as sick as she was, took the time and energy to write me the most beautiful note. It was so full of wisdom and caring thoughts. I think that note was so emblematic of who she was. She had strength and grace, and she was always teaching and giving to those around her. I will miss her very much.
Louis Bouchard
October 12, 2007
This came as a huge surprise when I first found out. CHS and the Buffalo community has truly lost a very good person. My condolences to the family
Monica (Eagan) Richards
October 12, 2007
Dear Amy, Betsy, AJ, and Brendan,
My condolences to you all. Your mother was one of the kindest souls that I have met and was inspirational both in how she lived and how she died. I last saw her at a wedding less than three weeks ago and was amazed by her strength. She spoke with a light in her eyes about all of you and how her family has supported her during the past few years and especially most recently. It was an honor to have known her and I will always remember her.
Sincerely,
October 12, 2007
Brendan, AJ and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Melinda and Thomas Zak
Carolyn White
October 12, 2007
I don't rightly know what to say about Mary Kiefer She was, as all agree, a phenomenal woman. Even in her illness she held a strength and elegance about her which few people possess. I know that she is is loved and missed by everyone who had the joy of knowing her and to them I send my heartfelt prayers and condolences.
with love and a heavy heart,
Alan and Sue Salzman
October 12, 2007
We were saddened to hear about Mary's death. She will be sorely missed. Please accept our condolences. We will keep you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
Ken, Jenn, Miranda and Kristen Butkowski
October 12, 2007
Dear Brendan, AJ and the entire Kiefer Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most diffuclt time.
Maureen Kielt
October 12, 2007
Dear Kiefer Family,
Your mother was a wonderful person. She always had a smile everytime I saw her and always asked about the kids. We shared stories about Betsy and Ben (Krueger). You are in our thoughts and prayers. Maureen and Rand Kielt
Molly (Swart) Rath
October 12, 2007
Mrs. Kiefer was my Latin teacher at Nardin many years ago. Just this summer I found a beautiful note she wrote me back then and I spent some time remembering what an enthusiastic teacher and kind person she was. I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman.
Jordan Paschke
October 11, 2007
Mrs. Kiefer was a terrific teacher, a wonderful person, and a dear friend. She was such an understanding and caring soul and she will be deeply missed among her friends, colleagues, and students. Mrs. Kiefer, you will always be in my heart and prayers, and I am truly grateful for what you have done for me and everyone else. Thank you. I will always think the world of you.
Sarah Bang
October 11, 2007
Mme. Kiefer was my teacher starting in fifth grade. She has been a major part of my life and academic career. She was such a life force and an integral part of my life and I am so thankful to have been swept up in the wave that was and is Mme. Kiefer.
Maddy Criden
October 11, 2007
Dear Kiefer family,
I am deeply saddened to hear that Mrs. Kiefer has passed. She was my confidant and mentor while in the IB program and I will forever consider her a landmark in my educational path. I feel blessed and grateful to call myself a former student of hers. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andrew Blinkoff
October 11, 2007
I was fortunate enough to have Mrs. Kiefer as my French teacher throughout high school. I will always remember her kindness, patience, and her dry sense of humor. I saw Mrs. Kiefer last fall and, eventhough I graduated from City Honors close to 15 years ago, she still remembered the names of all of my siblings and asked how each of them were doing. This is but one example of how much she cared about all of her students.
Sasha Taublieb
October 11, 2007
Dear Betsy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a remarkable woman. I can't stop thinking about her. . .all the way from serving monkey bread at a sleepover when I was in 3rd grade, to her beautiful smile gracing the halls of City Honors in high school.
Jennifer Mathis
October 11, 2007
Betsy and Kiefer family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I only had the pleasure of meeting your mother once, she was a lovely person and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marie Giancarlo Land
October 11, 2007
Ms. Kiefer was always one of my favorite teachers, and French one of my favorite subjects. I was so sorry to hear about her passing. She will truly be missed.
Brad Orego
October 11, 2007
Every time I try to discuss Mrs.Kiefer's passing with schoolmates of mine, here at the University of Rochester, I can't seem to come up with anything coherent to say. Any time I think about it, I'm stricken with such a profound sadness, and a feeling that it's so surreal that she won't be a part of the community anymore, that I'm overwhelmed.
I find myself completely helpless when it comes to putting my sadness as well as my gratitude into words. Mary had such presence about her and the influence she had on students and faculty members at CHS will be hard to cope with and impossible to replace.
I've never known a more benevolent person in my short life thus far, and I can't express enough appreciation for what Mary did for me and for everybody else she knew.
Beth Null (Bertholf)
October 11, 2007
I have very pleasant memories of Mary Kiefer, who was a wonderful neighbor for many years and always had a smile on her face. And I'll never forget watching her kids grow up. Sorry to hear this sad news.
Annie Shea
October 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Mary was a beauiful person who lived her life in such a manner that she is now rejoicing as we cry. Knowing her was a true blessing. God bless all of you. *hugs*
Kim Krampen
October 11, 2007
I never met Mary but if I know she brought up AJ to be a wonderful person and anyone that can do that, had to be special themselves. My sympathy to the whole family and to AJ. I know what it is like to lose a parent and it isnt easy. My prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Kim
Dispatcher Kenmore Police
Matt Rogers
October 11, 2007
Mrs. Kiefer was a fantastic mentor and teacher. She always looked for ways to collaborate with students, rather tell us what to do. She made a difference in my and countless others lives.
Jessica Anne
October 11, 2007
To the Kiefer family,
I am a first year City Honors student, and judging by what everyone's said about her, I think I would've loved being her student. Your loss not only affects her personal family, but also her City Honors family.
I offer my condolences.
Anne Bertholf
October 11, 2007
Dear Kiefer Family --We are devastated to learn of Mary's death. She was a dear person, a wonderful neighbor.
I visited with her when Bob and I were in Buffalo in August and she expressed her gratitude for the loving care she received from all of you, and her pride and contentment that all of her children were in good places in their lives.
We will miss her a great deal.
Love, Anne and Bob Bertholf
The Nash Family
October 11, 2007
We pray for Mrs. Keifer's family for strength during this sad time . She was a gifted teacher , a special access to CH .
Barbara Adamucci HOlub
October 11, 2007
Dear Brendan, AJ, Amy, and Betsy,
I am so saddened by the news of your Mom's death yesterday. Even though I knew it was coming, I feel so heartbroken. We were friends for many years, and I am just so glad I was able to see her this summer. Mary was one of the kindest women, she was genuine, thoughtful, intelligent, and way too young to be gone. My thoughts are with all of you and I pray God gives you the strength of those who will surround you in the next days to sustain all of you. This is one of those times when I can say life is not fair.
Love to you all,
Barbara Adamucci Holub
Meg Healy
October 11, 2007
Mrs. Kiefer was a mentor and a friend to me. I am so grateful for the two years I spent as her student. I know that she will never be forgotten among the City Honors community. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Alicia Officer
October 11, 2007
Ms. Keifer is the absoute greatest person in the world. I remember she always had something postive to say and she always encouraged everyone to just be better than they already were. For that I say Thank You.
My familys' thoughts and prays go out to you and your family.
Celia White
October 11, 2007
Mary, you will be deeply missed. Peace to you.
Chinyere Ezie
October 11, 2007
I think I speak for all of the 2002 City Honors IB class when I say that our hearts are just broken by this sad news.
Ms. Kiefer was a beloved teacher and advisor, trusted confident, and a treasured friend. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Colleen Coniglio
October 11, 2007
Dear Amy, Betsy and family,
I taught with Mary at Nardin and found her to be genuine and friendly. We shared stories on raising our children and she was sorely missed when she left us then. Please accept my deepest sympathy but also know that she not only touched the lives of so many in education but was the dearest mother as well. I know as I taught you, Amy and Betsy. You will deeply miss her but also hold close your wonderful memories.
Rita J. McMillon
October 11, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Dean Johnson
October 11, 2007
Mary Kiefer was a person who cared greatly about her family, friends, and students. She approached education with a youthful energy and curiosity that was infectious to all of those around her. She made a positive difference in many peoples’ lives. Mary will always be missed and remembered by everyone who knew her. I wish your family peace.
Noa Bursie
October 11, 2007
Mary,
You are one in a million. Your imprint will forever remain on the lives and in the hearts of loved ones, friends, colleagues, and students. Our lives have been enriched by knowing and working with you and your character will serve as a compass as we go on. I love you and will miss you terribly.
Steve & Bonnie Nelson
October 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Zack B
October 11, 2007
Mary even though I was never in TOK I could always feel a presence about you that exuded happiness and strength. We all will miss you dearly. Thank you for everything you have done for everyone. You are in my prayers.
stacie kowalski
October 11, 2007
I was Mary's hairdresser for over ten years. I always looked forward to seeing her every month. She was always so great to talk to and I'll will miss her very much.
Katie Bang
October 11, 2007
Ms. Kiefer was a life-changing woman who knew us better than we knew ourselves. We are forever blessed with having known her. I will always think of her with great fondness and admiration.
James Cart
October 11, 2007
I had Mrs Kiefer for TOK, while many people saw this class as superficial or unimportant Mrs Kiefer showed me importance of philosophy and more specifically challenging that which we assume is correct. I am at Dartmouth College and majoring in Philosophy largely do to Mrs Kiefer's teaching and friendship.
james mathis
October 11, 2007
I am just so sorry, she really was a sweet sincere giving person who you instantly liked and wanted to be around. I wish ya'll peace and everlasting memories of your sweet mother.
Emily Lovallo
October 11, 2007
Mrs. Kiefer was a wonderful mentor, teacher, and friend during my years at CHS. Amongst countless other things, she taught me how to knit and I continue to do so to this day, sharing many a scarf with my loved ones as she did with me. She touched many lives, and will be missed dearly.
RUTH GRAY
October 11, 2007
IT IS TRUELY A LOSS FOR ALL WHO NEW AND LOVED MARY KIEFER. HER KINDNESS TO MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN AT CHS WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. OUR SYMPATHIES TO THE KIEFER FAMILY.
SINCERELY, THE GRAY FAMILY
Alex Valentine
October 11, 2007
I will always remember Mrs. Kiefer not as a teacher but as a friend. She was the mentor to my full-IB class, and she supported all of us unconditionally, even going so far as to come to one of our houses for a group dinner our senior year. I always knew I could talk to Mrs. Kiefer about anything that was going on, and she always treated me with respect and kindness. I have met very few like her, and I know that I will miss her greatly, as I am sure the City Honors and Buffalo community will as well. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and the many she has touched over the years. She will be sorely missed.
John and Nelly Kiefer
October 11, 2007
Dear Brendan, AJ, Amy, Betsy and families, Nelly and I want to pass along our deepest condolences, love and fond memories of your mother.
Mary was a truly outstanding, warm and kind person. Love always, John and Nelly
Stephen Marth
October 11, 2007
Ms. Kiefer, we will miss you so much. I will always hold Louis Souris close to my heart. Also, be proud that TOK makes sense to me now after all!
We love you, rest in peace.
Jennie Zobel - Rook
October 11, 2007
I was in Mrs. Keifer's French class her first year at CHS as a first year French student. What a kind, welcoming, inspiring, and truly dedicated teacher she was. I was proud to read of her accomplishments with the IB program. She has touched countless lives, and she will be remembered fondly by so many. In an age when decorum and integrity are difficult traits to find, know that she was truly a professional. She will be tremendously missed.
Jo Ann Meyer
October 11, 2007
Mary, you were my buddy and I will miss you dearly. To know you was to love you. Lovingly,
Bruce Sanders
October 11, 2007
In this time of sorrow, I hope it may be of comfort to know that as an individual and a French teacher, Madame Kiefer had a profound influence on my sons, Joshua and Sam. She was also instrumental in getting Sam into Georgetown University. We will not forget her or her kindness.
Sit Terra Tibi Levis.
Ave Atque Walle.
Mara Borgese
October 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your mom was a wonderful person and will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Kinsey
October 11, 2007
Mary Kiefer was an amazing woman. She was a friend and mentor to so many, and we are sad to see her pass on. We all love her very much, and she will always be in our hearts.
Frank DiLeo
October 11, 2007
Mary,
My collegue, mentor, and friend. I will miss you immensely....
Judy & Rich Szucs
October 11, 2007
Brendan, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother.
Elissa Banas
October 11, 2007
Mary's amazingly positive influence on the lives of literally thousands of students is a true testament to her. Her impact on her colleagues and friends is just as profound. She will be sorely missed.
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."
- Thomas Campbell
------------
Nikki Lewandowski
October 11, 2007
Ms. Kiefer and TOK are the biggest reasons I am a philosophy major today. She is one of the four teachers that helped shape who I am today and I will forever be greatful for her influence on me. On a more general note, she was one of the last teachers to always have her door, ears, and heart open for students for whatever they needed; academically and personally. No doubt the CHS community will miss her presence.
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