It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Elizabeth Van Wagner, 87, on November 9, 2023, in Smithfield, Rhode Island with her family by her side.

Mary, also affectionately known as Liz or Lizzie, was born in Elmira, NY on August 30, 1936, to Dr. Augustus and Mary Tong Hillman.

She attended William Smith College in Geneva, NY, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. It was at William Smith that she met the love of her life, Elmer Van Wagner, Jr. They were married in 1959 at the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira by Reverend John Frye Sterns and assisted by the Reverend Gordon R. Kidd of Saint James' Episcopal Church, Hyde Park. The two began their lives together in Hyde Park after they were married.

Liz received her teacher's degree from the State University at New Paltz and before raising a family, was a third grade teacher at William W. Smith School in Poughkeepsie. She was also a former active member of the Junior League of Poughkeepsie.

They raised three children, Elmer III, Mary, and Kyle. Liz was a devoted mother and wife. She eventually became a devoted grandmother, spending time with her seven grandchildren, Ashley, Ben, Matt, Kaylen, Kyle Jr, EImer IV and Calli. She loved attending their various games, celebrations and graduations just as she had done with her own children. She was very proud of her family's accomplishments. All these memories we will cherish forever.

Sadly, in June of 2013, we lost EImer Jr., Liz's best friend and husband of 54 years. It was a great loss for the entire family. Afterwards, Liz went to live with her daughter, Mary, who lovingly cared for her in her final seven years of life. Liz enjoyed her life with all of her family and friends. Many will reflect on the fun times had when in the company of Liz and Elmer. Summers by the pool, visits to Florida, and gatherings at her beloved home. The memories and laughs are countless. For all who knew Liz, this will be the Liz we will all remember so fondly. She was a kind, thoughtful and caring person, who will be greatly missed by all.

Liz is survived by her children, Elmer III and wife, Cathy, of Brighton, Michigan, Mary Kuhar of Smithfield, Rhode Island, and Kyle and wife, Caroline, of Red Hook. Grandchildren include Ashley and Mike Giuliani, Dr. Benjamin and Mackenzie Kuhar, Matt Kuhar (Melody Lovell), Kaylen Van Wagner (Brandon Grace), Kyle Van Wagner Jr, Elmer Van Wagner IV and Calli Van Wagner (Eric Poisson).

She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Hinckley; brother, Harry A. Hillman (Jennifer); as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son in law, Dr Mark Kuhar.

Calling hours will be from 10 AM to 12 Noon, Saturday, November 18th at St James' Episcopal Church, 4526 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park.

Funeral services will begin at 3 PM, Saturday at the Church. Rev. Meredith Kadet Sanderson will officiate.

In keeping with Liz's wishes, cremation and burial of her ashes in the family plot in St. James' Churchyard will take place at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to make donations in Liz's memory, may make a gift to Saint James' Episcopal Church, 4526 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12538 (www.stjameshydepark.org), or the Alzheimer's Association, Hudson Valley Chapter, 2649 South Road, Suite 101, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. (www.alz.org)

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Hyde Park. To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Liz's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com