Mary Pierri

Age 75, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2015. Mary was born March 17, 1939 in Corning NY, a daughter of the late Ruth (Johnson) and Merlyn Preston. She is also predeceased by her daughter Laurie Ann Pierri and sister and brother-in-law Norma and Clair "Corky" Young. Mary is survived by her husband of 55 years Joseph T. Pierri; son and daughter-in-law Joseph M. and Katherine Pierri of Elmira and their sons, Joseph T. and Daniel F. Pierri; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bud and Dorothy Preston of Deltona FL, Gary and Betty Ann Preston of Austin TX; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Mary was a graduate of Painted Post High School. She continued her education at Michigan State before returning home and earning both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Elmira College. Mary was a Remedial Reading Teacher with the Elmira City School District teaching at Riverside Elementary School for 30 years, a job she truly enjoyed. After retiring Mary and Joe traveled extensively with Hawaii being her favorite place. An avid sports fan, her teams were Michigan State and the Buffalo Bills. Relaxing to Mary was a good book with a glass of wine. Times spent with her family, especially her grandsons, were the most treasured times. Friends are invited to Mary's Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Those wishing may remember Mary with a donation to the SPCA, Route 352, Elmira NY 14903.