Mary R. Cloke

Hoosick Falls – Mary R. Cloke died on June 17, 2013, at 68 years of age at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY, after a 2½ year battle with scleroderma. This autoimmune disease deprived her of her usual energy, drive and ability to travel and enjoy her family and friends.
Born in Hartford, CT, Mary lived for a time with her parents, John C.W. and Jeanne Rowley in Weathersfield, CT. As a child she moved to the family home in Hoosick Falls, NY, and graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School in 1963. She graduated from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Boston, MA, in 1965 and worked as a dental hygienist until 1969. In 1967 she married Edward Cloke and moved with him to Idaho as he completed his military service. While in Idaho their daughter Laura was born in 1969 and their son Preston was born in 1970.
Moving to Catskill, NY, Mary was drawn to the United Methodist Church, where not only was she a member of the congregation but served on the Board of Trustees and for a lengthy period served as its President. She was an active member of the Church and also assisted the employees and children in the operation of the Giving Tree Day Care. Active with the Brownies and Girl Scouts, Mary was always interested in activities involving kids, and the kids always seemed to enjoy her company.
In addition to her volunteer services with groups such as the Catskill Garden Club, Mary also returned to work and worked for Catalano, Leifer and Bruno, DDS as a dental hygienist for 21 years, retiring six years ago. She enjoyed her patients and followed their lives, children and interests, often seeing young patients from their earliest visits to a time when they graduated from school or college.
Another effort that was important to Mary was her trips to Guatemala with the Glens Falls Medical Mission, where doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists and other medical personnel went into the backcountry to treat thousands of residents. Mary set up and worked in the dental clinic and fondly recalled her trips, the people with whom she worked and the Guatemalans who were so thankful for treatment they would never have without the Mission.
Often referred to as the “Energizer Bunny,” in view of her tireless energy, it was difficult to see her sapped of that energy and rendered almost housebound. She was a fighter and was often described by nurses as “tough.”  Despite her illness, Mary always maintained a positive attitude and was concerned about the welfare of others.
Mary is pre-deceased by her parents, and a brother, David. She is survived by her husband, Edward G. Cloke, her daughter, Laura J. Cloke, her son-in-law, Thomas Grouard, her granddaughter, Margot, who at 2½ years old always brought a smile to “Grandma’s” face, her son, Preston E. Cloke, her sister, Nancy Hickey, her brother-in-law, Richard, her sister-in-law, Joyce, and her brother-in-law, Ken Statler, as well as a number of nieces and nephews and their children.
Mary’s wish was to be cremated, and that will be accomplished with the assistance of the Traver-McCurry Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted on June 29 at the United Methodist Church, 40 Woodland Avenue, Catskill, NY. Viewing at the Church will be from 9 to 11:30 am, with the service at 11:30 am. Luncheon will follow the service in the Church’s Fellowship Hall.