Mary Alice Gilchriest of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, surrounded by three of her children.

Known for her humor and selfless heart, Mary devoted her life to her children, her family, teaching, and her service in the military. She consistently put others before herself and leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication to family and country.

Mary was, first and foremost, the youngest child of the effervescent, 12-child Gilchriest family. Her relationship with her mother, Mary, was one she cherished in life. Her relationship with her brothers and sisters was something she held most dear to her heart. Her siblings were her blood and she shared stories, memories and emotions with her closest relationships that will remain even after she is no longer with them. 

Above all else, she loved her children fiercely and without condition. They were her greatest joy, her proudest accomplishment, and the center of her world. She taught them not only through words, but through the steady example of her life — how to show up for one another, how to put family first, and how to love with loyalty and generosity. Because of her, they learned to be each other’s safe place, to stand together in hard times, and to celebrate together in good ones. The closeness they share is a living reflection of the values she instilled in them every day.

Her relationship with each of them individually will be cherished forever. Her relationship with her eldest daughter Elizabeth was the closest a mother and daughter could get, without being the same person.  Elizabeth’s biggest pride in life will always and forever be being Mary Gilchriest’s daughter. Her relationship with her daughter Hannah was one filled with giggles, eye rolls and an abundance of love. Hannah followed in Mary’s footsteps and pursued a masters degree at Syracuse University which she obtained last May 2025 — an accomplishment Mary wasn’t able to fully appreciate and participate in, but in her soul she was so proud of Hannah and would often tell people she believed “Hannah could do anything she wanted to.” And Nick, her youngest son, was always her baby. She would talk with Nick and listen to him talk, for hours, without complaint. They brought each other comfort that can only come between a mother and her son. They have always been, in many ways, the same person in a different font. 

And to her second child, she loved Benjamin with her entire soul. One of her many skills as a mother was never picking favorites and loving everyone equally — even though they were treated differently. If she could have instilled any final lesson to her kids, it would be that she loved them for exactly who they were and that they should always be there for each other because “that’s your family” and family is everything. And if anyone ever gets lost in the game of life, to look for that lighthouse to home — one always exists as long as family exists. 

In addition to being a mother, teaching and helping people was not just Mary’s profession — it was her calling. Throughout her long and busy career, she poured her heart into her students, whether they were young kids just beginning their academic journeys or struggling college students finding their paths. She believed deeply in the power of education and in the potential of every person she taught. Guiding, encouraging, and helping others grow brought her profound fulfillment, and her work in the classroom remains one of her most treasured accomplishments. The countless lives she influenced stand as part of her enduring legacy.

Lastly, Mary dedicated 28 years of service to the military from which she retired in 2015 as a Senior Master Sergeant with the Air National Guard — spending the majority of her career at the 174th Attack Wing. She served her country and the people of the 174th tirelessly and relentlessly; she will be forever remembered by the people she helped, listened to, advised, and learned from.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Gilchriest; her sisters: Bernadette (Gilchriest) Penoyer Cigler, Beth Gilchriest, and Dorothy (Gilchriest) Hollyoak. All of whom awaited her at the pearly gates she’s been fighting for so long to see. 

Mary is survived by her children: Elizabeth, Hannah, Nicholas, and Benjamin Zimmer; sisters: Diane, Regina and her partner Chris, Rita; and brothers: James and his partner Julie, Paul and his partner Toni, John, Peter, and Timothy; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, Phoenix, NY.  The family will greet visitors from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the church on Saturday.  Additional details will be shared by the family.  She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, please mail contributions to the NYS Veterans’ Home Volunteers Guild at 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830.  

Condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.