MaryRita Mathis

1935 - 2023

West Leyden- MaryRita Mathis, 87, passed away on June 3, 2023 while at home where she was being cared for by her family and friends.

MaryRita was born in Constableville, NY on December 1, 1935 to Loretta and Rudolph Morczek. She attended Constableville schools where she graduated as the Salutatorian of her class in 1954. MaryRita then attended the Syracuse School of Business going on to work for over 30 years as a secretary for the West Leyden /Adirondack Central school system. She was well liked by her coworkers and students, often filling in for the school nurse when they didn't have one.

MaryRita met James (Jim) Mathis from West Leyden, New York prior to attending business school. She would tell you that they attended many barn dances which were all the rage at that time. Dancing is something they continued to do for the rest of their lives together. MaryRita and Jim were married on July 21st, 1956. They went on to have five daughters, Audrey Mathis of Syracuse, Gisele Zelazowski of Boonville, Yvonne Mathis Jerome, Michelle (Rick) Dale and Tabitha Mathis, all of West Leyden. Rick Dale was the son they never had!

Growing up spending most of her life living in the country, MaryRita was an avid gardener. She loved to can, freeze and preserve things from the garden that her husband Jim provided for his family. Gardening always took first place in their lives, meaning that the potatoes had to be planted, the peas, beans, and corn picked before they could take off for one of their camping adventures with all five daughters in tow. Black flies and mosquitoes didn't stop MaryRita and her family from enjoying the Adirondacks. MaryRita and Jim also loved to play cards which they did with their relatives, children and friends. At the end of her life, MaryRita would play with a deck of cards for long periods often asking "where is your father" as though it was his turn to bid. Jim passed on February 1, 2004, just shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.

MaryRita and Jim were life members of the American Legion and VFW in Boonville, NY. They made a lot of friends as a result of their memberships. MaryRita and Jim could be seen marching in local village parades representing their hometown associations.

MaryRita's grandchildren added another dimension to her life. She loved spending time with them and always seemed just a bit younger when she was with them. Her grandchildren include Jamie Healt, Jessica Scott, Richard and Bryan Zelazowski, ShaeLynn Rowland, Emily Jerome, BreAnne Ringwald and James Dale. She was fortunate to be able to share a small part of her life with her great grandchildren Otto Ringwald, Rob Scott, Weylon and Natalie Rowland, Amelia, Scarlett and Clayton Zelazowski.

In addition to her husband, Jim, MaryRita is predeceased by her brothers, Robert, Adolph, Gilbert, and Peter Morczek. She is survived by her brothers, David and Rudolph Jr. and sister, Roseanne. She loved her siblings dearly and enjoyed any time she was able to spend with them.

The Mathis family would like to thank Beth Beyel and MaryRita's niece Sheila Underwood who helped provide care and love for our mother during her illness. Both women were instrumental in MaryRita's being able to remain at home at the end of her life. The family would also like to thank the staff at Lewis County Hospice for their support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on June 29, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Nativity Church in West Leyden with Father Lawrence Marullo officiating. Interment will be in St. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Fish Creek. Friends and family may call at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post St., Boonville, NY from 4 to 7 pm on June 28, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewis County Humane Society, P.O. Box 682, Lowville, NY 13367. She was an avid lover of four legged creatures often having treats for them when they met. She will be missed. For an online message of sympathy please go to www.millsfuneralhomes.com.