Town of Hunter Celebrates Centenarian Living on Mountaintop

TANNERSVILLE – The mountaintop is home to a remarkable centenarian. Tuesday’s Town of Hunter Board meeting began with a celebration of Mary McGinnis, born on June 20, 1923, who will turn 102 this June.

Mary was “tricked” into attending the board meeting by her friend, DeDe Terns-Thorpe, who told her the board was honoring DeDe, not Mary. The plan worked flawlessly, bringing Mary to Town Hall, where an unexpected tribute awaited her.

Town of Hunter Supervisor Sean Mahoney delivered a heartfelt statement as four generations of the McGinnis family looked on. “Let’s just say I always straighten up a little when she walks into the room,” Mahoney said. “Mary didn’t just teach whatever the subject matter—she taught kindness, perseverance, and the importance of hard work. Generations of students left her classroom not only a little wiser but better for having known her. Judging by the number of people and friendly faces here tonight, her impact has been long-lasting.”

He continued, “You are a true treasure to our town. Your wisdom and gentle strength have left an indelible mark on all of us. And while most of us dream of living to 100, you make it look easy. So, on behalf of the Town of Hunter and this community that loves and admires you, we celebrate your incredible century of life, teaching, and contributions.” The packed Town Hall erupted in applause as Mahoney handed Mary a commemorative plaque.

Mary was born near Friends Lake in the Adirondacks and began her teaching career in the region. She taught typing, shorthand, and business classes before moving to the mountaintop in the early 1950s. She joined Hunter-Tannersville Central School, teaching high school before transitioning to the elementary school in the mid-1960s, where she remained until retiring in the mid-to-late 1980s.

Mary married her first husband, Raymond, in the late 40s.. He owned an Esso gas station—now ExxonMobil—and worked as a mechanic. The building still stands and most recently housed Alison Hyer’s physical therapy business. Raymond passed away in 1980, and Mary remarried John Leach, with whom she shared her life until his passing in 2007.

A passionate knitter, Mary has made countless sweaters for infants and hats for all ages, many of which she donates to the Village of Hunter Library. Her seven great-grandchildren all have hats, and her four grandchildren each received a hand-knit sweater.

She remained active well into her later years, bowling into her mid-90s and driving until a fall at Tops grocery store prompted her to hand over her keys willingly. Even now, she keeps her mind sharp by listening to the radio, doing crossword puzzles, and playing Sudoku.

Mary still lives independently and checks in with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department daily using a senior call-in service at 518-731-4273. If she doesn’t call, the sheriff’s office follows up to ensure her well-being. She also speaks with Erin’s daughter every morning.

She participated in a knitting group at the Hunter Library until COVID struck. She was a longtime member of the Golden Agers and even traveled to Ireland with the group in her 80s. At a recent Town of Hunter Board meeting, the board allocated $3,000 to support the Golden Agers.

Mary’s family has deep ties to the community. Her son Ray and grandson Dean both serve in the Tannersville Fire Department and Rescue Squad, with Dean representing the third generation of volunteers in the family.

When Mary turned 100, she didn’t want a party, so Erin organized a drive-by celebration, with about 50 people driving past her home to wish her well.

Asked about the secret to her longevity, Mary said, “First of all, it’s in the genes. I’ve never smoked, have only drunk on occasion, and always kept active both mind and body.”

Local historian DeDe Terns-Thorpe praised Mary’s lifetime of service. “Mary not only taught and mentored kids in school, but she also gave much back to her community. She was active with the local food pantry, volunteered for the church, and served on the Hunter Library board until she broke her leg around age 97. She also helped with various knitting classes at the library.”

“It’s our privilege to know Mary,” DeDe added. “She’s an amazing person, handling with grace the ups and downs we all face throughout our years. She has spent a lifetime giving back to our community—teaching, volunteering, and mentoring. She kept her mind sharp, drove her car until she was 97, and God gave her a little luck with her longevity!”

During the evening’s celebration, I took a photo that captured four generations of the McGinnis family. With a twinkle in her eye, she looked at me and said: “Don’t ever smoke.”

A simple yet profound lesson from a woman whose wisdom has spanned over a century.