Mary Margaret Prather

Mary Margaret Prather, 85, of Findley Lake, NY, passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side, on May 18, 2025, in Saint Vincent Hospital after a short illness. She was born on September 4, 1939, in Erie, PA.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, O.E. (Gene) Prather, parents Richard George and Margaret Jensen Tansey, and her beloved daughter, Kathleen A. (Katy) Wolfe.

She is survived by sisters Kristine E. Detig, Erie, PA, and Kathleen A. Dombrowski, Findley Lake, NY; grandsons, Michael E.L. Wolfe, Andrew (Annika) T. Wolfe, and Charles D. Wolfe; great-grandson Everett Jakob Wolfe; son-in-law David M. Wolfe; nieces and nephews; great niece and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews; many cousins; and dear friends, Marnee Booth, Becky Svetz and Michael Collins.

Mary was an accomplished and determined woman. She was the first woman ski instructor at Peek’n Peak Ski Resort in Clymer, NY, beginning her career there in the late 1960s. She was instrumental in developing their ski school program, and taught lessons for 45 years. Mary attained PSIA Level III certification, the highest level awarded to instructors. She enjoyed skiing with friends and family until a year before her death.

She was a resident of Findley Lake for 56 years. With demonstrable vision, Mary renovated her home several times, expanding it to meet the needs of her growing family. Her meticulously maintained terraced gardens contained over 150 different varieties of Hosta, which she shared freely with other avid gardeners. 

Mary loved photography, a favorite subject being her family. The walls of her lakeside home are adorned with pictures of kids and adults water and snow skiing, fishing, boating and floating. She skillfully edited hundreds, if not thousands, of photos to make keep-sake albums for friends and family.

She was a foodie, long before the term became popular. Mary frequently welcomed friends and neighbors over for meals which involved gourmet courses, a large-surface grill, and plenty of cold beverages. Parties at Mary’s were bountiful, and no one ever left hungry.

A life-long member of the Danish Sisterhood of America, Mary attended their social functions regularly.

A private funeral service will he held to honor her memory. We appreciate your understanding and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Adaptive Sports Foundation or the American Hosta Society.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street North East. Please send condolences to Elkinfh.com

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