Mary T. Guinane of Elmira, NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after a long illness. The youngest child in a large Irish Catholic family, Mary was born on January 11, 1936, in Elmira. A lifelong communicant of St. Mary's Church, Mary relied on her faith to sustain her during her life and final illness.

In addition to her parents, William and Mary "Mollie" Hourihan Guinane, Mary was preceded in death by all of her siblings and in-laws: Helen Constantine, Ann Wilkins (James), John "Jack" Guinane (Bruna), William "Billy" Guinane (Marguerite), Kathleen Lynch Merrill (Harold; Frank), Eileen Morich (Metro), Patricia Hallinan (Thomas), and Madeline Weale (James); a special aunt, Eileen Guinane Rickard, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mary is survived by special niece Molly Morich Knott, twenty-two nieces and nephews and was godmother to many of them.

Mary grew up on Cypress Street, and after the death of her mother at the age of four, she was raised by her father and her older siblings. The siblings forged a strong bond that endured a lifetime. Mary and her sisters took road trips to Cape Cod and Florida and spent summers at Keuka Lake. The Guinane Family Reunion, which began in 1966, was an annual gathering of the siblings and extended family and was a highlight of the year for everyone. In her later years, Mary was always up for a road trip, traveling to family weddings and graduations or visiting family. She visited Ireland in the 1980s with her sister Pat, and while there, they met with family and celebrated their Irish roots.

Upon graduating from Southside High School in 1954, Mary worked as a bank clerk in Elmira before moving briefly to Florida. Upon her return to Elmira, Mary worked with her Aunt Eileen at Citizen's Loan Company and was always able to secure a prime viewing position on Water Street for nieces and nephews for the annual Christmas Parade. She later worked and retired from the Southport Correctional Facility.

Mary was fun-loving and enjoyed weekly card games with family and friends and taking bus trips to the casinos. Family gatherings were her favorite activity, and Mary was frequently the last to leave any get together.

The family would like to express their profound appreciation, admiration, and gratitude to Molly Morich Knott for her outstanding, loving attention to Aunt Mary in her later years. Molly's devoted care ensured that Mary was able to remain in her home and stay active in family gatherings.

Sincere thanks are also extended to niece Judy and her husband Ray Bellows who frequently brought Mary home cooked meals (with no onions!). Mary often commented on their deliciousness.

Mary will be remembered by all who knew her with love and fondness. Although we will miss her, we are very thankful for all the memories and are grateful that she is now reunited with family.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. The Ladies Ancient Order of the Hibernians will follow with a prayer service at 5:45 p.m. We will begin services on Thursday, October 29, 2026, with a prayer service at 9:45 a.m. at McInerny Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira, with an honor guard provided by the Hibernians. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be found on the church website: www.elmiracatholic.org/stream. Following Mass, Mary will be laid to rest at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's name to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County Inc., 409 William St., Elmira, NY 14901.