SCHENEVUS – Mary A. Bonczek, 78, passed away August 3, 2026, at her home. 

She was born December 13, 1947, in Perth Amboy, NJ, the daughter of Julius and Audrey (Rasmussen) Kardos. Mary graduated from St. Mary’s High School, continued her education at Notre Dame College of Staten Island (St. John’s University), and earned her Master’s degree from Kean College in New Jersey. She received a Special Education Certification from Binghamton State University. 

She married George F. Bonczek on September 27, 1969, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ. 

Mary was a teacher with the New York City Board of Education for 17 years, worked at the Upstate Home for Children, and retired from Schenevus Central School, where she served as a Resource Room Elementary Special Education teacher. 

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Worcester, the Schenevus Rotary Club, on the Board of Directors for the 4 County Library System and the United Federation of Teachers. She proudly marched with union president Albert Shanker across the Brooklyn Bridge, closing it down as part of the successful movement that raised wages for teachers, firefighters, police officers, and sanitation workers.

She was an avid reader, a nature lover, and a passionate birder who also truly enjoyed fishing and cooking with her husband. Above all, she loved teaching and was deeply dedicated to her students. She valued loyalty and connection, and if she considered you a friend, you were a friend for life.

She is survived by her loving husband, George Bonczek; her sister, Patricia Jennings of South Carolina; cousins who were like siblings; a nephew, John; and many great-nieces and dear friends of nearly 60 years, Lorraine Danzo and Vera Gochal.

Predeceased by her brother, Michael Kardos.

Calling hours will be held 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 am. on Saturday, August 15, at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 201 Main St., Worcester, with the Rev. Joseph Arockiasamy as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 NY 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326; the Westford Fire Department, PO Box 24, Westford, NY 13488; or the Schenevus Fire Department, PO Box 116, Schenevus, NY 12155. 

Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.hellerskinnerfh.com.