NORWICH – Mary E. Vinal, 58, of Division Street, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2011 at Chenango Memorial Hospital after a courageous fight against cancer.
Born Sept. 12, 1952 in Oxford, Mary was the daughter of Harry Myers, Sr. and Margaret (Cassin) Myers. She was a 1970 graduate of Norwich High School. She first worked at Norwich Mills and then Champion Products before working at Opportunities for Chenango Children’s Center, Gee Wilikers, Burrell’s Dry Cleaning, where she was a seamstress, and finally the Norwich City Schools where she was a teacher’s aide.
Mary was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church and of the Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 189. During her leisure time, she enjoyed painting and watching her grandsons, Jordan and J.T., play sports.
On June 3, 1972, at the First Baptist Church, Mary married John M. R. Vinal, of Norwich, who survives.  She is also survived by daughter Christine Vinal and fiancé, Andrew Dunklee, of Norwich; son John Vinal, Jr. and his wife, Tracie, of Norwich; daughter Tracy Simpson and her companion, John Hubbley, of Little Falls, NY; eight grandchildren, Cassandra, Devin, Kayla, Jordan, J. T., Cabrarrah, Andrew, and Brenden; four great grandchildren, Elaina, Lauren, Shane, and Gracie; sister Harriet Bates, of Norwich; and brothers Harry and Ronald Myers, both of Norwich.
A Memorial Mass of Resurrection for Mary will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Committal will follow immediately following the service.  Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Children’s Activity Fund, Perry Browne Intermediate School, 89 Midland Drive, Norwich, NY 13815, or to the charity of your choice.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.