Mary A.S. Willard passed away peacefully on August 16th at her home in Colchester. Mary lived 96 years full of love, laughter, family, and friends.

Mary graduated from Spaulding High School. She had fond memories of working at the soda shop, Fishman's.

Not long after graduation, Mary met the love of her life through her cousin. She was married to George (Cal) Willard V for over 50 years.

Mary had many interests and hobbies, such as going on her family's camping vacations, gardening, traveling across the United States, going to see plays at theatres, and traveling with her husband, Cal, across Vermont to see and take photos of covered bridges and post offices.

Mary had a very active social life. She helped lead her daughter's girls scout troup and her son's boy scout troop, was part of the Ladies Auxillary of Letter Carriers, and a member of Essex Center United Methodist Church and belonged to the Women's Group. Mary worked as a switchboard operator for about 20 years at the UVM Medical Center. After retirement, she volunteered with Essex Seniors and the Harriet Farnsworth Powell Historical Museum.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Cal, her son George (Dodee) VI, infant son Courtney, step-daughter Marietta Chappell, son-in-law Norman Chappell, and grandson Craig Chappell. Her sisters Ada Lavigne and Ruth Gleason, and brother Henry Hurlburt.

Mary is survived by her daughter Diana, grandchildren Rick Chappell (and wife Julie), Kelly Thibault (and husband Dan), Teri Chappell, Jessica Tice, Laurel Tice, Lani Randle (and Husband Matthew), and George (Alex) Willard VIl. Her Sister Ella Cota, and many great-grand children, nieces and nephews. Her childhood friend Ann Ziter, family friend and caregiver Mariah Francis, and her kitty-cat Mya.

Mary's family is thankful for the staff at UVM Cardiac Unit, UVM Hospice, Elderwood Nursing Home, Home Care Assistance, and the Country Meadows Association.

Visiting hours will be on Saturday, September 20th, from 2-5 PM at Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home located at 9 Pleasant Street in Essex Junction. Services will be postponed until a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to Essex Center United Methodist Church at PO Box 8074, Essex, VT 05451 or your favorite charity.