MARY (BARTOL) DUNNIGAN

Born in Manhattan in 1952, Mary Maureen (Bartol) Dunnigan began her life as the daughter of proud parents Lawrence and Margaret Bartol. At two years old Mary tragically lost her father to a car accident. Poised from the start and elegant as a magnolia blossom, Mary was raised by her loving mother Margie with support and affection from her Uncle George and Aunt Lilly. A studious and superbly talented Catholic school girl at St. Anne’s Parish in Brentwood, NY, Mary was destined to march to the beat of an Irish bodhran. As a young woman, Mary developed a spirit characterized by her innate compassion for animals. She found camaraderie in her childhood friend Virginia, who shared many moral and ethical convictions about the world. Without an abundance of resources, the two found utility in making the best of what they had. The feisty duo would hang out with other teens at the Ross Memorial Park in Brentwood, where someone always had a transistor radio. There was a cement gazebo where they would sit and talk, dance, and sing songs for hours. They would walk around town stopping in at the luncheonette nearby for chocolate eclairs or swing into the pizza place to fold boxes for the owner in exchange for pizza. With a rider's pass from Virginia’s dad who worked the LIRR, the two would sometimes go into Queens to pick up White Castle cheeseburgers and visit relatives. Mary’s dynamic and quick-witted character were forged during some of the most riveting times in history. Mary often regaled about being at Shea stadium in 1965 when she saw the Beatles take the stage and how a few years later when she was found on her way to Woodstock via an “all-points bulletin”. Mary was unapologetically, self-proclaimed, “responsibly reckless” and she earned the right to be. The spirit of a long blonde-haired, blue eyed hippie adorning homemade clothing who loved sewing, horseback riding for show, amaster of photography, and could paint awe-inspiring pictures that would rival Bob Ross. At an early age in the developing rural communities of Long Island Mary met who would become her husband of 21 years, Patrick (Danny) Dunnigan. Like many childhood sweethearts, they started by throwing rocks at each other from across the street and to be frank, never really stopped until they separated in 1996. It was in 1977 they had their first boy, Richard (Richie) Dunnigan. Six years later in 1983, Their second son, Brian Dunnigan was born. In the late-1980’s, shortly after Mary lost her mother, she soon had to fight a new battle. Mary stood firmly for principle and equal-rights among all men and women. So when the town supervisor sought to rezone and lay claim to her childhood home under eminent domain to build a commercial shopping center, he was met with staunch resistance from a fierce opponent. Mary decidedly moved her family upstate in 1989 seeking a calmer pace of life. She began a new career as a CSR at NBT in Sidney, NY, and quickly batted her way up the ladder by completing her degree in finance and accounting by taking evening courses through SUNY Delhi and Morrisville. Mary quickly became a travelling branch manager; instrumental in converting acquisitions from Plattsburgh to Pennsylvania making an impression every step of the way and essentially framing the growth of NBT Bank of Norwich. Mary also sat on many boards during this period, not the least of which was with the Sidney Boys & Girls Club. Mary’s career was only one leg up on her passion for dancing as she began a new chapter filled with adventure, traveling, and a whole lot of Irish step dancing with the Claddagh Ring dancers of Norwich, NY. As she had done in her earlier days, Mary touched many lives across a desk, across a stage, and down the parade route. The epitome of a Virgo and as a humanitarian, she always welcomed those in need of a friend. Mary was fortunate to travel to Ireland with a close group of friends and return to Bethel, NY, with her dear friend Bonnie as just a few of many many more memories that were made. Mary’s life came full circle after she retired from NBT bank and hung up her Irish dancing shoes for a kayak. She became gracefully known as “Nana” to her three adoring granddaughters; Delaney, Kaydance, and Adelynn. Holding onto her spirit, Mary volunteered as a steering committee member for Chenango Change. During this time Mary also served on boards at Creative Works and assisted painting workshops at The Artists’ Palette. Mary was meticulously cared for by her ex-husband, Danny, while she fought the grandest battle of her life spanning six months. Just hours before her passing she gave her grandchildren one more gift of pure laughter as she used filters to make funny faces over Facebook video chat for Addie’s 5th Birthday party. On Monday, June 7,2021, Mary went peacefully in the arms of her younger son, Brian at his home in Syracuse, NY. Mary’s final wishes were to be cremated and spread in the Grand Canyon by her two sons. A destination they had hoped to visit together. A celebration of life will be organized and celebrated at Coleman’s pub in Syracuse, NY in July. For the magnitude of her kindness and generosity, sense of humor and free spirit, for her ethical and moral virtue, Mary is venerated by all as a truly special Angel. We lift her up. To honor Mary we ask that you raise a glass saying your favorite Irish prayer for a wonderful woman, mother, nana and friend. To leave a legacy, please consider making a donation to an organization of your choice which furthers the arts, cares for animals or supports human rights. BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, Solvay, NY, has care of arrangements. Please share online tributes and memories at www.bagozzitwins.com.

MARY (BARTOL) DUNNIGAN

September 10, 1952 - June 7, 2021