Mary Crittenden Coffin, 81, from Chittenango died peacefully on October 25 under Crouse Hospital life-ending palliative care. She had sudden multiple strokes.
Growing up in a rural family setting she finished high school in LeRoy, NY, college at SUNY Potsdam and her graduate work in science education at Syracuse University. Her 34 years of teaching included East Syracuse Minoa Central School, Syracuse University and on assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Burma. She was cited repeatedly for being an excellent teacher.
She was most active in the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, North Country Trail Association and the Adirondack Mountain Club. Her crowning achievement was leading a scouting team to connect the 4800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail across the entire Adirondacks. She is remembered for her conservation work and teaching it at the Canastota Great Swamp.
Mary led many extended hiking trips across the nation and overseas. She loved scuba diving, hiking, rock climbing and skiing. She was the most considerate and caring person and why so many people loved her.
Surviving is her husband, William Coffin, sisters Margerie Martin and Alice Crittenden, nephew, Eric Crittenden and step-family, William Coffin Jr., Benjamin Coffin, Douglas Coffin, Thomas Coffin and Laura Coffin Bauer. This descends to 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Mary’s choice for contributions would have included the Crouse Hospital, Francis House, Great Swamp and long-distance hiking trail perpetuity.
