Mary Elizabeth Hastings, 88, formerly of Ogdensburg

FORMERLY OF OGDENSBURG - An amazing woman who influenced young lives as a teacher and supporter of Syracuse’s less fortunate, Madame Mary Elizabeth Hastings passed on the 6th of August 2026 at the age of 88 year.

A graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy High School, University of Albany, SUNY, and Syracuse University (Master of Arts), Mary taught for 34 years as the French language teacher at Marcellus High School, Syracuse and also taught briefly at the Christian Brothers School in the Provence region of France.

Mary was a lifelong supporter of the Samaritan Center in Syracuse as a board member and advocate. A lover of classical music, cooking, and travel, she was a member of the Craven Community Chorus of North Carolina performing at the Biltmore Estate in NC, and the National Cathedral in DC and was also a member of the Syracuse Symphony Choir. She was such a lover of different cultures, she led many trips to France and Canada for her high school classes along with participating in mission trips to El Salvador.

She spent the last decades of her life in Syracuse, NY, where, as a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church held many leadership positions and gave her time, talent, and financial support to better the community and church.

Born in 1937 to Charles E. and Eunice Hastings of Franklin Street, Ogdensburg, NY, she was baptized at St. John’s Episcopal Church and raised in Ogdensburg. Though Mary never married, she leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews, and numerous other extended family members, who agree that, as an aunt and as a person, there was no one more special who gave herself unconditionally to everyone. She is predeceased by her five brothers Charles, Arthur, Peter, Robert, and Donald.

A funeral service will be held on September 7th, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Syracuse with a light reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Samaritan Center of Syracuse in her name.