Mary A. (Vanderven) Schifferli

Rochester:  Mary A. Schifferli, age 83, passed away peacefully with her niece and kitty by her bedside at her home at The Gables Of Brighton on Monday, November 6, 2023.  Mary was born in the town of Palmyra, NY to Pauline and Adrian VanderVen and was raised in Sodus, NY with her brother Franklin VanderVen; where their family had  built a lovely home on the lake. Mary graduated from SUNY Brockport with an associates degree and she went on to Ohio Western University to further her education, and obtained her Masters degree in Library Science.

Mary’s first job was with the Rochester Public Library, first as a Librarian and then she advanced to Adult Service Consultant. Her mom, Pauline, was working at the Rochester Public Library as well. They enjoyed their lunch hours together.  Mary eventually married William Schifferli and moved to Arizona. In Arizona, she worked in a hospital caring for the infants. Missing her librarian skills, they moved to Utica and she became the Adult Service Consultant Director in the Mid York Library system. Her longing for more took her to Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute Library in Utica. After a while she adventured to the Albany Institute of History and Art Library. She truly enjoyed it there and loved her co-workers.

As time passed, her natural roots were calling her name. She and William, packed up from Utica and purchased the little historical cobblestone schoolhouse in Pultneyville, NY.  Mary
loved this home since she was a young girl. Her job now was the director of the Ontario Library- Adult Service Consultant. She retired from there.  After her husband, William died; she went back to work where it all started at the Rochester Public Library. “Full circle”,  and she became a volunteer with hospice.  Mary loved her kitties, friends, traveling, reading, family, and her favorite drink (Manhattan up with a lemon twist- NO CHERRY!).  She will truly be missed by all, especially her little fur baby, “Mittens”.

Mary is predeceased by her mom and dad, Pauline and Adrian, her brother, Franklin VanderVen and her husband, William Schifferli. Mary is survived by nieces, nephews, and close friends.  Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation, Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 10-11AM  where a Funeral Mass will follow at St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church, 5823 Walworth Road, Ontario, NY 14519.   Interment will follow at Lake View Cemetery in Pultneyville, NY (3945 Lake Road,Town of Williamson).  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary may be directed to an animal charity of your choice.  To light a candle, leave a condolence, or to upload a photo please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com.

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