Mary Emerson Obituary

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." —Dr. Seuss

Mary Elizabeth Topping Emerson

April 16th 1943 - June 3rd 2025

Daughter • Sister • Wife • Mother • Volunteer • Adventurer • Friend

Daughter / Sister

Born on April 16, 1943, Mary El was the third in line of the Topping clan. Predeceased by her father, Charles, and mother, Mary Catherine, she is survived by her siblings: Richard (Mary Ann +), Michael (Nancy), John, Catherine (Karl), and Peter (Cherry), along with many, many nieces and nephews.

Born in Bronxville, NY, Mary El spent her childhood in Plumb Beach, RI; Little Neck, Long Island, NY; and Easton, PA.

After attending Penn State University and earning a BA in Education, she lived in Lansdale, PA; Fort Campbell, KY; and Nazareth, PA. Mary El began her teaching career in the Philadelphia area and later settled in at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown, PA, where she taught first grade for nearly a decade.

Life changes brought Mary El to Oxford, NY, where she planted lasting roots and took her career in a new direction—as a dedicated community volunteer and advocate.

Wife / Mother

Having known each other as family friends in their youth, Mary El and David B. Emerson reunited at Guilford Lake in the summer of 1980. They married in an intimate outdoor evening ceremony on July 10, 1981. The announcement and celebration of their union marked the first of many memorable backyard gatherings at their Oxford home in the years that followed.

Now in its 44th year, their union created a 20-member family, beginning with their children: Kimberly Begeal (Scott), Jenelle Vierzbicki (Bob), Jeffrey Emerson (Martha), and Stephanie Coggins (Doug). Their grandchildren, in order of age: Rhiannon (Nick), Hayden, Harrison, Morrigan, Sydney, David, and Evelyn. They were also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Stellan and Caspian, who recently helped Grandma blow out the candles on her 82nd birthday.

To say family was important to Mary El is an understatement. Wherever her children lived— Florida, Colorado, Massachusetts, South Carolina—she made trips to check in. When the kids returned to New York and started families of their own, Mary El often expressed how fortunate she felt to have so many loved ones nearby. Her coordination of the annual family vacation was one of the greatest gifts she gave.

Spotted in bleachers, concert halls, and stadiums, Mary El never missed a sporting event, recital, awards ceremony, fashion show, or graduation. And if she couldn't attend in person, she would figure out the technology (with a quick call to a grandchild) to stream it online.

Volunteer

Though the list is too long to name in full, Mary El was involved in numerous organizations in the surrounding communities.

She had a talent for bringing people together and guiding board responsibilities with grace and skill. A fundraiser extraordinaire, Mary El championed what she affectionately called "the ask." With her on your team, success was a given-not only in exceeding fundraising goals, but in ensuring flawless execution that made each event memorable and enjoyable for all.

When she received the Baden Powell

Distinguished Citizen Award, Mary El shared in her acceptance speech that her commitment to community service was, above all, for her family. Her guiding philosophy: Leave it better than you found it.

Adventurer

Adventure is out there-and Mary El never turned down the invitation. Despite having messy hair, she would don a biker helmet and set off on Harley adventures across the country. She hiked most of the high peaks in the ADK and the majority of the Appalachian Trail, adjusting to the less-than-luxurious conditions. In her younger years, Windjammer cruises offered a breezy, carefree sailing experience. Later in life, river cruises became her preferred form of travel, offering just the right amount of comfort.

Friend

Mary El was a kind soul-an attentive listener when needed, a thoughtful advisor when asked. She saw the good in all people and thrived on meaningful social connection.

If you ever dined out with Mary El and Dave, you likely noticed she greeted nearly everyone on the way to the table. If you traveled with them, she would know most folks on the excursion by the end—and have follow-up plans for another adventure with her new friends.

Mary El and Dave had such a vast network of friends that they could drive across the country and find someone to share a meal with—or a comfortable place to stay-at nearly every stop.

Her ability to build genuine, lasting friendships was truly a gift-an art we can only hope continues through those inspired.

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." —A.A. Milne

We are deeply grateful for the care provided by UHS Wilson Medical Center and SUNY Upstate Medical Hospital over the past several weeks. The family would also like to thank everyone who has offered love and support during this difficult time.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later

date and details will be announced. As there will be no calling hours, we acknowledge the importance of closure and appreciate that connection is part of the healing process. Friends and family may share memories and condolences or contact the family by visiting behefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, and per the family's request, please consider a donation to one of the following:

The Chenango Valley Home Capital Campaign ProjectThe Chenango Arts CouncilA local charity of your choice