Mary E. Ames, 88, Canton

CANTON -- Mary E. Ames, 88, of Canton passed away on Thursday evening, July 18, 2024 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital where she was surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

Mary was born September 17, 1935, in DeKalb, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Marion (Bush) Newcombe. Mary attended one room schoolhouses and as her grandchildren say she got her education from the School of Hard Knocks. On March 23, 1957, she was united in marriage to Charles A. Ames Jr. at St. Henry’s Church with Rev. Thomas Robillard, officiating. Her beloved Charles predeceased her on June 19, 1988.

In her younger years, Mary enjoyed shuffleboard and playing softball for local establishments. She worked in food service at St. Lawrence University and later at Canton ATC for over 25 years where she was the head baker, retiring in 1995. For the next 20 years or so she did in home child care for nearly half the North Country it seems. Still so many children and adults call her Grandma Mary, related or not. Being a tough gal, you could find her tossing hay bales and stacking wood in to her 80s.

Other joys of her life were berry picking, visiting the casino, playing bingo, watching any of the TV Judges, watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and The Price is Right. She watched all kinds of sports on television, current or re-runs, with her favorite being Syracuse Basketball and Football and she never missed one of her children’s or grandchildren’s sports games. Her most cherished time however, was spent at home, with a good meal, surrounded by her family. She was the family matriarch who led with strength, love, and a willingness to do anything for her family especially her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Mary is survived by three children, Debbie Ames, Liz (Bill) Thomas, and Larry “Opey” (Lynn) Ames all of Canton; grandchildren, Karson (Johnielle) Thomas, Kurt (Kate) Thomas, Tori MaryRuth Thomas(Adam Lawrence), Tyler (Taylor) Thomas, Charles (Desiree) Ames, Austin Ames and Logan Ames, and great-grandchildren Myla, Kyle, Kollin, Kinsley, Layla, Harper Mary, Malia, Kari, and Link. Also surviving are siblings, Howard (Marion) Newcombe, Joseph Newcombe, Eileen (Ivan) Gordon, Charles (Barbara) Newcombe, Larry (Pam) Newcombe; In-laws, Helen Newcombe, Neil Newvine, Eleanor Cassoni, Karel Mace, Janet Aldous, Leo (Cheryl) Ames, and Katheryn Fountain, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents Lawrence and Marion and husband Charles, she was also predeceased by siblings, Ethel Newcombe, Earl Newcombe, Floyd Newcombe, Dorothy Newvine and Margaret in infancy; In-laws Marilyn Newcombe, Edna Newcombe, Arthur (Betty), Donald (Dottie), Clarence (Shirley) and Joseph Ames, Elizabeth (Milton) Acra, Sharon (Ross) Simmons, Ruth Robar, Everett Aldous, Mike Mace, Jim Cassoni and Margaret Ames in infancy, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours for Mary will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary’s Church, Canton.

Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Canton Peewee Association, P.O. Box 523; Canton, New York 13617 or the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600; Arlington, VA 22209 or online at als.org.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.

Arrangements for Mary E. Ames are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.