Mary A. Athanas, 87, a lifelong area resident, died peacefully on April 6, 2026, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck.

Born on April 26, 1938, in Barrytown, NY, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Cunningham Sr. and Helen Coon Cunningham.

Mary worked for many years at the former Holy Cross School in Rhinebeck until her retirement. Outside of work, she found joy in creative pursuits—especially painting flowers and landscapes, and crafting beautiful floral arrangements, a talent she especially loved sharing during Christmastime.

Alongside her husband, Mary was a member of both the Early Ford V 8 Car Club and the Red Hook Car Club. She cherished the friendships and adventures that came with their shared love of classic cars.

She was an active member of the New Beginnings Assembly of God Church in Red Hook, where she loved serving as a greeter with her husband, John.

On August 24, 1985, in Hyde Park, she married John Athanas Jr., who survives in Rhinebeck.

In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by her three children, Drucilla Ary and husband, Joe, of Hillsdale, NY; Michael Coon and wife, Merilee, of Red Hook; and Susan Jacobson and fiancé, Tim Zacheus, of Clifton Park.

She is also survived by four stepchildren: Carol Mateer and wife, Judy, Phillip Athanas, Sandra Sammons and husband, Tim, and Robert Athanas and wife, Dawn.

She leaves behind many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by two brothers, Rolland Coon and Thomas Cunningham Jr.; and one sister, Barbara Rockefeller.

A period of visitation will be from 11AM to 12 Noon, Friday, April 10th at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home with Pastor Susan DeVuyst officiating.

Burial will take place in the family plot at Union Cemetery of Hyde Park.

In lieu of flowers, Mary's family respectfully requests memorial donations to the New Beginnings Assembly of God Church, 8059 Albany Post Rd., Red Hook, NY 12571. (www.newbeginningsassemblyofgod.org)

To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit Mary's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.