Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Watertown, New York
May 9, 1948 – Feb 25, 2026
Mary Jane Dufresne, 77, passed away at Samaritan Medical Center on February 25, 2026, following a brief illness.
Mary was born on May 9, 1948, the daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Heinrich of Adams. She attended South Jefferson Central School, graduating in 1967.
She is survived by her two daughters and their families: Lisa Scofield and her husband, Mark, of Indiana; and Sarah and Eric Pond/Johnson of Sacket Harbor. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Natalie and Tyler Johnson, and Taylor and Tori Scofield; her brother, Edward Heinrich of Marcellus; and her sister, Jeanne Spry of Watertown.
She was predeceased by her husband, John Dufresne; her sister, Anne Rausch; and her parents, Edward and Margaret Heinrich.
Mary was a devoted wife and homemaker. She and John owned and operated the family farm, Painful Acres, on North Harbor Road. After selling their dairy cows they opened Painful Acres Amish Furniture. Mary had an eye for fine hardwood furniture and was a skilled decorator.
She was a leader in the local 4-H Club when her girls were young and was also a member of several local quilt guilds. In retirement, Mary enjoyed traveling to quilt shops with friends. She and John traveled to many places across the United States in their RV, visiting friends and family along the way.
Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed sitting with her kitties while reading a good book, going to lunch with her sister and friends, and collecting fabric for the many quilts she hoped to complete.
In accordance with Mary’s wishes, there will be no formal services. A celebration of life for both John and Mary will be held in the spring at the farm on North Harbor Road in Adams Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Smithville Fire Department.
Arrangements are with the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown.
Online condolences to the Fayette family may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.
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Lisa and Sarah we are so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing.
She will surely be very missed by all who knew her.
Kevin and Bonnie Slater
February 27, 2026 | Rochester Mills, PA | Friend
Mary and I lost contact for years and we found each other again a couple of years ago! We were very close for those couple of years. Mary was a very sweet sister-in-law, and I will miss her very much! Rest in peace dear friend. Love You!!
Loretta Kitchen
February 27, 2026 | Sun City, AZ | Family
Jack and I are sorry for the loss of your sister, Jeanne.
Eileen Ditch
February 27, 2026 | Henderson Harbor, NY | Friend
You both were sweet, kind people. I knew you from the store. I loved going there, and always left feeling better.
Matthew Gormley
February 27, 2026 | RODMAN, NY | Friend
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing so soon after John .I spent a little time with Mary when I began quilting .She was there when I had questions .You surely will be missed Mary RIP ❤. Deepest sympathies to her family
Emilie Hayes
February 27, 2026 | Clayton, NY | Friend
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dave & Mary Alice Lowe
February 27, 2026 | Rodman, NY | Friend
Your shock is matched by ours knowing how closely your parents passed. Your folks were such delightful people! Shopping for furniture at their store was more like a personal visit and a little shopping too! Know my prayers and masses this weekend will be with them in mind.
Elizabeth Daugherty
February 26, 2026 | Watertown, NY | Friend
Mary was a good friend, a talented quilter, and yes indeed, she loved her family dearly, you are already missed. Rest in Peace Mary. Love to her beautiful family, reach out anytime.
Joanne Slater
February 26, 2026 | Sackets Harbor, NY | Friend
Lisa, Sarah and family, I’m truly sorry to hear about Aunt Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heather Dufresne
February 26, 2026 | Black River, NY | Family