Thomson

Mary Margaret McNees Thomson, 99, of Cassadaga, N.Y., formerly of Slippery Rock, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

She was born on Feb. 11, 1925, in West Liberty, Pa., the daughter of John Cahill McNees and Estella Jane (Wimer) McNees. The family moved from West Liberty in 1933 to the family farm in Slippery Rock. Mary graduated from Slippery Rock High School in 1944, then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Slippery Rock State Teachers College in 1948, and continued graduate work at Duke University in North Carolina.

Mary taught kindergarten and first and second grades in Oakmont, Grove City and Slippery Rock. She was a member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, was president of the College Commuter Club and served on the PTA.

Mary had been a member of the West Liberty Methodist Church and the Slippery Rock Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school. She attended Pleasant Valley Church in Kabob, N.Y.

Mary enjoyed gardening, cooking, visiting Chautauqua Institution and traveling with her family throughout the United States through her husband’s participation with the National Science Foundation. Her greatest joy was her family.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James Thomson, whom she married in 1951, and who died Oct. 5, 2014. She was the final survivor of 10 siblings. In addition to her parents and her husband of 63 years, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Isaac, John, Merle, George and Russell McNees and James Wimer. She also was preceded in death by three sisters, Freda Palmer, Ruth Brown and Helen McCurdy.

Mary is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Deault of Ashville, N.Y., and Miriam (Scott) Washington of Cassadaga, N.Y.; and four grandchildren, Marcelle Deault, William Deault, Thomas (Lauren Sharp) Washington and Andrea (Adam) McAdoo. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren, Samuel, Charlotte and Julia McAdoo and Ryn Washington; and sister-in-law, Jean DeArmond. Mary was close to many of her nieces and nephews, including Russell (Janet) McNees, Larry (Debbie) Palmer, Gary (Donna) Palmer, Linda (Steve) Arblaster and Arleen McCurdy.

THOMSON — Funeral services for Mary Margaret McNees Thomson, who died Wednesday, June 5, 2024, will be held Monday morning at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock. Viewing will be at 11 a.m., services at noon and luncheon to follow. Interment will be at West Liberty Cemetery.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.