Mary Cardel, 92, a resident of Manchester, VT passed away on February 28, 2022. Mary was born in Brooklyn, NY. She spent her childhood in Hoboken, NJ with her parents and siblings helping with the family's restaurant. Mary was a true original - a wonderful artist-a creative thinker-a worldly woman who had spent several years living in Greece. As a young woman Mary moved to Westport, CT where she lived most of her adult life until moving to Manchester, VT. Mary's choice to move to her family's ski home of 52 years proved to be a wise one. In Manchester, she made wonderful friends, was inspired to become a potter and continue painting. She was proud to call Vermont her home. She lived every day to the fullest, continually educating herself and others about the good and evil in the world. All those who were fortunate to know her will attest to her unique style of sharing her opinions. She mentored many and truly cared about people rising to their full potential. Her indomitable spirit lives on in all of us. Mary was ahead of her time. In her generation she was one of the few that stepped up and challenged the patriarchy of society. She was one of the first to independently own her own home, buy her own boat, invest in stocks, and run a successful news publishing business. Mary's wishes were honored and her body is now at the University of Vermont Medical School where she continues contributing to education. In lieu of donations, Mary asked that people who cared about her invest their money wisely. Those investments can then be used to impact positive change in this world. Her wish has always been that people will be brave and dig deep to reach their full inner power. Mary's family is grateful for her angels during her last days; AnnKatrin (Addi) vonEynern, Katsuko Lord, her medical advisor Corey Bell of Battenkill Valley Health, Masho Deen and to her many friends who came to her side for comfort. Mary is predeceased by her parents, Matina and Demetrios Sgardelis, and brothers, Christopher and Peter Cardel. She is survived by her sister Florence Stathis of Spring Lake, NJ, niece Janet Kempner of Cody, WY, nephew Peter Cardel of Southampton, NY, nephew James Stathis and wife Lisa Stathis of Montville, NJ, nephew Scott Stathis of Groton, MA, great-nieces Ellen and Julia Kempner, great-niece Charlotte Cardel, great-nephew Christopher Cardel, great-nephews Jake and Jesse Stathis, great-nieces Alexa and Julia Stathis and sister-in-law Jane Cardel. Personal condolences to the family can be sent to her niece Janet Kempner, PO Box 135, Wapiti, WY 82450. A memorial service will be held in Manchester, VT in late Spring. Details to be determined.

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Published by The Manchester Journal on Mar. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Cardel

Sponsored by Brewster & Shea Funeral & Cremation Service - Manchester.

1 Entry

Jane B. D. Williams

March 16, 2022

I will so miss Mary.

We were pottery partners at Rising Meadow Pottery in Middletown Springs.
I was one of the many people who loved her and asked her to tell me more of her life stories each day. Mary's life was one that was full and interesting. She had a way of communicating which led me to kept me asking for more.

Through that timeframe I learned a lot about her ability as an empowered woman, to work in a male dominated career. She was brave, hostile when it was called for and oh so smart. She taught me a lot about how the 60s and onward, moved women toward a more equitable space in the workplace and on the planet. I believe we owe her and many other brave women a large thanks!

She reminded me of my Grandmother and Mother, (who remarkably were also named Mary). All woman who were dignified, knowledgeable and able to think through situations to enable a good outcome.

She was kind, empathetic, concerned for the world at large and persistent in her assistance to those around her.

Mary left her pottery tools to me, the best gift I could imagine as each tool had a history that she had shared with me. I will use her tools and think of her each time.

Rest in Peace Mary, you truly made a difference on this planet.

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