By Mary Lou (Lefferts) Vercant, 75, of Fredonia, NY passed away Monday, June 3, 2024 at Buffalo General Hospital due to complications following a stroke. She was born on January 20, 1949 in Dunkirk, NY, the eldest daughter of Edward E. and Madalyn (Henneman) Lefferts.
A lifelong resident of the area, Mary Lou graduated from Fredonia High School (class of 1967) and received a secretarial course diploma in 1968 from Jamestown Business College. She married David S. Vercant on August 3, 1968 and together they operated a family-owned grape farm, Crooked Brook Farms Inc., until his death on January 9, 2014. They were the parents of two daughters, Kerrie (Bill) Vercant Underhill of Bolton, MA and Amy (Herb) Gloff of Dunkirk, NY. In 1974, Mary Lou was one of three Fredonia Farm Festival Queens. She was employed for 26 years at Fredonia Central School Federal Credit Union and 10 years at Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.
Mary Lou enjoyed sewing, needlework, knitting, crocheting, baking, reading, camping and hiking. She spent many leisurely hours tending to her flower gardens. She was a fan of NASCAR and traveled with her husband to many races. Mary Lou served as a member of the vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church and was an active member of the Trinity Episcopal Church Women. As a member of the Grape Belt Seniors, was excited to be able to participate in several trips with the group. Mary Lou also enjoyed attending frequent gatherings with friends from her high school graduating class.
In addition to her children, Mary Lou is survived by a sister, Kathryn (Todd) Wickmark of Fredonia; sister-in-law, Patricia Westling Lefferts; brother-in- law, Richard (Sue) Vercant; brother-in-law, Michael (Deborah) Vercant; brother-in-law, Timothy (Dorothy) Vercant; four step-grandchildren, eight step-great grandchildren; cousin, Jacqueline (Paul) Herre and many nieces and nephews.
Predeceasing her were her husband and parents; brothers: Robert E. Lefferts and William D. Lefferts; grandparents, Edward W. and Edna E. (Long) Lefferts; grandparents, Clarence and Rosalie (Smith) Henneman; uncle and aunt, Everett and Kathryn (Hennemen) Baker; cousin, Judith (Alex) Cardoni; and niece Michelle Gelsemino.
Calling hours will be held at the LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave., Fredonia, NY on Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at Trinity Episcopal Church, 11 Day Street, Fredonia, NY, the same day at 2:00 p.m. Private interment services at Webster Road Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimko funeralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. On-line condolences may be made at larson timkofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by David J. Dengler.
