Mary E. (Lochner) Whittle

Mary Elizabeth Whittle, 81, an artist, musician, gardener and kind, beautiful and loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away, in her sleep, in the early morning of November 27, 2024. Born in Utica, February 22, 1943, Mary was a daughter of the late Walter and Kathryn (Nugent) Lochner. She was educated in local schools, graduating from St. Francis de Sales High School, where she excelled in academics and music. She grew up singing with her family, in local churches, and continued to study music and sing in choral groups throughout her life. Music brought her joy, and she loved to sing with her family. She also loved to sing with her husband, John Whittle; they were known to sit together and sing all types of songs from folk to gospel to country. Mary was also an accomplished pianist and organist. 

Mary obtained a bachelor’s degree, from Utica College, where she met John, and after marrying in 1965, they went to Boston College, where she earned a master’s degree in English. Early in her career she was a college English professor. A strong advocate for her daughter Sarah’s learning, she later taught creative writing in Sarah’s schools, helping to grow a love for writing and creative expression in others. She continued her passion for teaching, tutoring both adults and children later in life.

Mary was a beautiful writer herself, and wrote poetry and short stories. She was also an artist and photographer, creating works that combined photos, collage and watercolor. Her art was shown in several shows and galleries in the northeast. One of her greatest passions was gardening. She loved to spend countless hours with her hands in the soil, and had her amazing flower gardens to show for it! 

But, perhaps Mary’s greatest passion was being a grandmother to Cameron (24), Zachary (24) and Samantha (20). She loved spending time with them, playing games, doing art projects, taking adventure walks and hikes, swimming, singing to them, and making sure they had all their favorites to eat! She was a huge fan of everything they loved, and spent countless hours watching and supporting them pursue their passions—they made her so proud, and her unwavering devotion and support always made them feel wrapped up in her love. 

She is survived by her life partner, John; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Deryck Spooner who reside in Washington, DC; her sisters, Cathy Lochner, Connie Angelini and the late Dr. Louis Angelini; her brother, Reverend Charles and wife, Jeanie Lochner; in-laws, Anthony and Kim Matt, Jeanine and Ted Kawryga, Maria Elena and Joseph Zegarelli, and Elissa and David Pratt; and also many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at the Masonic Care Community, especially the staff and residents of the Saratoga Unit, for their kindness and compassion. 

Please join us in celebration of Mary's life in the chapel at St. Margaret's Ecumenical & Retreat Center, 47 Jordan Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11 am with a light luncheon immediately following . In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in her name to Clinton Pet Vet, Rescue and Sanctuary, 60 Dwight Avenue, Clinton, NY 13323. Because Mary loved cats! 

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