News Summary
The community of Taylor, Texas, is in mourning following the peaceful passing of Mary McChesney TenEyck. A dedicated volunteer and revered businesswoman, she was days away from her 98th birthday. Known for her exceptional contributions to local charities and organizations, Mary leaves behind a legacy enriched by her dedication to family and community service.
Taylor, Texas – Community Mourns the Loss of Mary McChesney TenEyck
Mary McChesney TenEyck, a cherished community volunteer and respected businesswoman, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 10, at her son John’s residence in Taylor, Texas. She was just shy of her 98th birthday, which would have occurred in three weeks.
TenEyck was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Marian McChesney, her husband of 53 years, Hendrix TenEyck, and her brother, John Downer Pennock, who was lost during World War II. She also mourned the passing of her granddaughter, Milissa Marian, the daughter of her son Rick, who passed away shortly after birth in 1978.
A Life Rich in Community Engagement
Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Mary led a life steeped in community involvement and service. She briefly lived in Beaufort, South Carolina, where her family purchased a large plot of land on Battery Creek in 1936, which is now known as Cottage Farm. While attending Beaufort High School, she was crowned Miss Beaufort, an honor achieved during her father’s military service in Orlando, Florida, during World War II.
Mary’s education included attendance at the prestigious Chatham Hall School in Virginia, followed by Vassar College in New York. She dedicated 26 years of her career as the Personnel Manager at her family business, Hall & McChesney, in Syracuse. In 1979, the TenEyck family relocated to Beaufort, where she contributed significantly to various family-owned businesses, including Battery Creek Catering and the Dutch Treat Restaurant.
Contributions to the Community
Throughout her life, TenEyck remained actively involved in numerous organizations, reflecting her commitment to community service. She served on the boards of several local charities and organizations, including Child and Family Service, Junior League of Syracuse, and the American Red Cross. Her volunteer work extended to the Family Caregiver for Hospice in Central New York and Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, among others.
In her effort to enhance the community, she played an instrumental role in the establishment of Gadsby Tavern, now known as Q on Bay, and contributed to the development of Jericho Woods on Battery Creek Road. Furthermore, Mary was a member of the Beaufort Open Land Trust and participated in Jail Ministries, the Portfolio Club of Syracuse, and the Clover Club of Beaufort, highlighting her dedication to various causes.
A Legacy of Family
Mary is survived by her four children: Laura Nichols in Warrenton, Virginia; John in Taylor, Texas, along with his wife Rhonda; Peter in Beaufort, South Carolina, accompanied by his wife Dana; and Hendrix, Jr. in Peconic, New York. Her family also includes 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, ensuring that her legacy continues through future generations.
In addition to her extensive contributions to the community, Mary was known for her warm family traditions, often concluding meal blessings with the phrase, “Bless all those who sit within our circle out of sight,” reflecting her values and her love for shared moments.
Remembering a Lifelong Commitment
As the community remembers Mary McChesney TenEyck, her contributions to societal betterment and her passion for volunteerism serve as a guiding inspiration for many. Her impact on the community of Beaufort and its surroundings is invaluable, showcasing a life dedicated not only to her family but also to the betterment of others. Her legacy will be cherished and honored by those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Mary McChesney TenEyck
- Your Island News: Patrick Loyd Matlock
- Legacy: Mary Demko Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service
- Google Search: Mary McChesney TenEyck
