Mary J. Paranesi 94 of Walton, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday morning, September 9, 2011.

Mary was born in Franklin on August 1, 1917 the daughter of the late Julian and Edith Beebe Sanford. She and her husband, the late Louis Paranesi Sr., owned and operated a farm in Heathen Hill. He died in 1997.

Mary had a very interesting and happy life. She operated the family farm when her husband was in the service, raising her kids alone during that time. She was taught early not to lie, steal or cheat and that was how she lived her life. On the farm she raised many animals but chickens were her favorite. She enjoyed growing and canning vegetables, hunting, and fishing, where the deer and fish she shot and caught ended up on the family table. In her free time she enjoyed camping on the East Sidney Dam Campground, telling jokes and playing guitar and yodeling. Mary was a faithful and devoted church-goer at Sydney Center for many years. Mary was proud of her family and enjoyed the many cards she received on her birthday. Mary also wrote a column in the Walton Reporter for many years.

She is survived by a daughter Louise (Frankie) Powell,a brother, Lloyd Sanford of Florida; sisters, Joyce Hall of Sidney and Bessie Samuels of Florida; nieces and nephews, Tammy Brother, Laurie Slecta, Thomas Powell, special friend and care giver, Diane (Charlie)Fletcher and several cousins. She was predeceased by her son Louis S. Paranesi Jr. in 2007 and by her sister, Agnes.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday, September 16, 2011 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton where services will be held at 1 PM. Burial will follow in Sidney Center Highland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mary's memory may be made to Walton EMS 61 West St., Walton, NY 13856