Mary Elizabeth Goodrow Bement Chest
November 16, 1938 – April 26, 2025

Beloved Mother, Grand Mother, Great Grand Mother, Aunt and Friend

Mary Elizabeth Goodrow Bement Chest, of Paul Smiths, NY, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, in Canandaigua, NY, at the age of 86.

Born on November 16, 1938, to Lawrence William Goodrow and Eveline Stella Delametter, Mary lived a life of deep purpose, unwavering compassion, and fierce love for her family, friends, and community.

Mary wore many hats throughout her life—entrepreneur, professional, nurturer, caregiver, advocate, and BEST MOM ever. She was the proud owner of The Pincushion, a beloved fabric store where her creativity and craftsmanship shone. She also worked in quality control at General Foods-Birds Eye and served as a meticulous and trusted bookkeeper for the Avon Town Clerk’s office.

Mary found joy in the simple and profound pleasures of life—gardening, sewing, cooking, walking, bird watching, and playing euchre with her club. She was a voracious reader, a curious thinker, and someone who stayed informed and engaged with the world around her.

She was a kind, compassionate, thoughtful, and genuine soul—intelligent, humorous, gracious, and organized. She lived with integrity and stood up for what was right, embracing all walks of life. Mary was open-minded, open-hearted, conscientious, and unafraid to be an activist or support others when needed. She was a mother figure to many, known for her loyalty, warmth, nurturing spirit, and maternal love.

Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Chest, and her dear daughter, Catherine Margaret Bement. She leaves behind her loving children: Michele Bement Edwards (Barry), Michael Anthony Bement, Mary Lynne Bement, and Matthew Wayne Bement (Stacy). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Natalie Edwards Klebanoff (Noah), Nicholas Miles Edwards (Karlie), Delaney Jane Bement (Jack), and Sophie Marie Bement, and a joyful great-grandmother to Graham Edwards Klebanoff and Griffin Cope Klebanoff.

She will also be deeply missed by her many adored nieces and nephews, and countless friends whose lives she touched with kindness, sincerity, and humor. Her legacy is one of strength, love, perseverance, and unwavering compassion. She leaves behind a world made better by her presence.

Mary spent her final two months surrounded by compassion, dignity, and love at Light Hill (hospice). The staff and volunteers at Light Hill provided exceptional care and brought much joy to her heart and soul life during her end-of-life journey.

A joint Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 for both Mary Chest and Catherine Bement at Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, 295 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Please drive into the main entrance off Granger Street. Parking available on-site. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Mary’s memory to Light Hill (Canandaigua Comfort Care Home Inc.). Please consider volunteering at Light Hill also. The care, support and warmth at Light Hill meant so much to Mary and her family and friends in her final days.