Mary Lou L. Pudney

Mary Lou L. (Blanchard) Pudney, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Taylor, NY, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the age of 94, while surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Cincinnatus, NY on December 17, 1931, Mary Lou was the daughter of the late Davis and Edna Phillips Blanchard. She dedicated her life to her family, community, and faith.

Mary Lou's career was marked by a profound commitment to education, retiring from the Cincinnatus Central School in 1996 after 32 years of dedicated service. She also worked alongside her husband on the family farm, nurturing not only the land but the spirit of hard work and dedication that defined their lives together.

A proud graduate of Cincinnatus Central School, class of 1951, Mary Lou remained an active member of the community. She was deeply involved with the United Presbyterian Church of Cincinnatus, where she served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and participated in the choir and hand bells. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she generously shared her talents and time with those around her.

Mary Lou's hobbies included fancy work such as crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitch, which she pursued with skill and passion. Alongside her profound dedication to her family and church, she served as a volunteer for Cortland-Chenango Rural Services for over 20 years, embodying her spirit of service to others. She was also a loving caregiver for several family members and friends, demonstrating kindness and compassion in everything she did.

She is survived by her sons Harlan (Trudy) Pudney, Jr. of Dryden, Terry (Vicki) Pudney, Sr. of Taylor, Joey Pudney of Taylor, and Kevin (Stephanie) Pudney of Spencer; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins. She also leaves behind dear friends, Donna Lou Law and Jennifer Jones, who was not only a special friend but also a caregiver. She will be dearly missed by her close friends Alice Smith and Mary Eccleston (who predeceased her on March 5, 2025), who checked in with her every night and provided her with joy and companionship throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harlan Pudney, who passed on March 27, 2013, her sister, Evelyn Watson, brother, Roger Blanchard, grandson Harlan Scott Pudney, and daughter-in-law and sidekick Patricia Pudney.

Funeral services will be held at the United Presbyterian Church of Cincinnatus on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor George Carruth officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Monday from 12:00 p.m. until the start of the service at 2:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mary Lou may be directed to the United Presbyterian Church of Cincinnatus, 5695 Deerpath Lane, Cincinnatus, NY 13040 or to the Taylor Historical Society, c/o Carol Walsh, Treasurer, 4332 Cheningo-Solon Pond Road, Cincinnatus, NY 13040. 

Mary Lou L. Pudney's remarkable life was one of love, service, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She will be deeply missed and cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.