NORWICH – Mary Elizabeth (Beckwith) Paino, 68, of Norwich, passed into eternal life peacefully on Aug. 19, 2011, at her home with her loving family by her side. 
She was a strong woman and a true fighter, who had fought a courageous battle with cancer for years. She was born on March 8, 1943 in Greene, the daughter of the late Raymond Beckwith & Catherine (Jeanette) Hodge. She graduated from Greene Central Schools in 1961.  She was of strong Catholic faith, and was a member, as well as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Norwich.
Mary was the beautiful and deeply beloved wife of 48 years to Richard (Dick) Paino, who survives. Dick often said, ”I fell in love with her at first sight.”
Mary is also survived by three daughters and their spouses: Connie & Gene Duffey of Greencastle, Pa., Cynthia & James White of Waynesboro, Pa., and Christin & Greg Hanley of Canastota; four grandchildren: Samantha Schroer, S. “Alex” Schroer, Victoria French and Christopher Hanley; her sister, Sylvia Bates of Norwich, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her mother, father and brother, Mernie (Daniel) Beckwith.
 Many will remember Mary and her late sister-in-law Mary (Paino) Drake who, for many years, ran “Marys’ Fried Dough” at the local Chenango County Fair. She worked for Norwich City Schools, most happily in the Athletic Department, with her favorite mentor and boss, Jack Jones. Mary recently retired after 27 years of employment this past May. A “go-getter” and business-minded woman, she and her husband physically built and operated “John’s Hotdog Stand” in honor of her late father-in-law, John Paino, which was located on the corner of Birdsall & Hale Streets in Norwich.
Mary loved music and sports. She played in the marching band, as well as field hockey, volleyball, and softball. She organized and played on many women’s softball teams. Mary was an avid gardener and bird watcher. She was an active representative and Sales Manager for Beeline Fashions for many years, earning many prestigious national awards and trips.
If you were her friend, you were Mary’s friend for life. One always knew exactly where they stood, as Mary was not shy with her opinions. She embraced life and all that was in it, enjoyed traveling and shopping, especially at garage sales, and loved spending time at their camp with her loving husband and their dog, “Lady.”
Mary will be sadly missed by her devoted family, and the many people whose lives she has touched along the way.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Bartholomew’s Church with Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Warn-Ten Broeck Cemetery in Oxford. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Norwich Fire Department.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.