Obituary of MARY CAREY

Mary Elizabeth Carey (Mary Beth) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a life long fight with cancer.  She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and kindergarden teacher in St. Joseph's School in Penfield.  Born in Troy NY in 1960, she grew up in Penfield and led a full life in her brief 47 years.  At an early age Mary Beth was diagnosed with cancer and endured life-treating surgery and countless bouts of chemo and radiation.  However, she never let cancer rule her life and will always be remembered as a brave fighter who exuded optimism and embraced hope in the face of incalcuable odds.Mary Beth attended St. Joseph's School and Our Lady of Mercy High School.  She graduated from Nazareth College with a BA and MA in Education.  She married Peter Carey on October 2, 1982 and soon after they began their family, raising three beautiful children; Shannon, Tim and Erin.  Her adoration for her family was palpable.  In addition to teaching at St. Joseph's she enjoyed interacting with her customers for years at CVS Pharmacy.From St. Joe's, CVS and her overall  Penfield Community, she formed life long friendships.Mary Beth loved the sun's warmth and travel with friends and family.  Her body may have been weak, but her heart and spirit were strong and they continue to teach and inspire us.  In her own word; " I look back at my life and feel nothing but complete satisfaction and absolute gratitude.  I have lived a wonderful life thanks to all of you, the amazing people who know me today and those who have gone before. I have tried to leave my spirit with each of you. I hope that you will cherish my memory, embrace my spirit, and never forget I am with you today and always."  Predeceased by her father James Patrick Riley (1998).  Mary Beth is survived by her husband, Peter Carey and their three children; Shannon, Timothy,  Erin;  her mother, Marleen Riley; her sister Laura (Paul) Riley Hill, Diane (Austin) Ransom, Paula (Jeff) Riley Doerzbacher, Sharon (Jack) Frankovich, Margaret Riley; and two brothers, James (Janelle) Riley and Sean (Tracy) Riley; with 15 Riley nieces and nephews; father-in-law Jack Carey; sisters-in-law, Chris (Parker) Bell, Pam (Brian) Short, Deedee Fitzgerald, Lisa (Thomas) Short; brothers-in-law Dave (Cathy) Carey, Steve (Kim) Carey, Jake (Lisa) Carey; with 16 Carey nieces and nephews; also many aunts, uncles,  cousins and extended family; and her family companion Tanner.Donations are being accepted at the Mary Beth Carey Memorial Funds, PO Box 924, Fairport, NY  14450.  In support of educational scholarships for St. Joseph's School Students.A special thanks is extended to Highland Hospitals ICU Team and the staff of 6th floor West Wing for their exceptional care.