On March 25th, 2021, Mary Ringer Essex, passed away at home surrounded by her family, after a long battle of cancer at the age of 63. Mary was born to Frederick and Lucille (Patrie) Ringer Sr. on May 12th, 1957 in Burlington, Vermont. She blessed her family on Mother’s Day as the first girl born after 4 boys. She attended Vergennes Union High School, graduating in 1975. While in school, Mary participated in softball, field hockey, cheerleading, gymnastics, and swimming.
Mary worked various jobs throughout her life. She worked at Simmonds in Vergennes. She also worked as a caregiver at Porter Hospital in Middlebury. Mary worked at many different restaurants, but Dog Team Tavern was her favorite place. After leaving the Dog Team Tavern, Mary became a partner on the Essex Family Farm, alongside her husband, David. Here is where she fulfilled the rest of her time.
She was well loved by many. There was not a place Mary could go that she did not know someone or make a new friend. Mary cherished her family by displaying pictures of her grandbabies all over her home, along with her love of cows. She enjoyed taking trips to the casino to play the penny slots. Her favorite thing to do was to go out dancing and listen to live music. She loved many local bands, a favorite being The Hitmen.
Mary was survived by her loving husband, of 39 years, David Essex. Her children, Jessica (Bell) and Adam Brigante, their children Randy and Liliana; Tim and Kristen (Haines) Essex, their children, Dylan and Haylee; Tyler and Katie (Boulerice) Essex, their children Carly and Sam. Her siblings, Fred and Anne Ringer; Mike Ringer; Patrick and Patricia Ringer Sr.; Lu-Anne (Ringer) and Paul Mailloux; Sister-in-Law Wendy (Cushman) Ringer; Brother-in-Law Sam Essex and Sue Richardson; Brother-in-law Dan Essex and Harriet Murray; and Mother-in-Law Jo Essex. Mary also had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Lucille (Patrie) Ringer Sr.; brother, Tony Ringer; and Father-in-Law Sam Essex Sr.
Many special thanks to the Vergennes Area Rescue and Addison County Home Health and Hospice staff for the compassionate care they shared with Mary and her family. Also, Dr. Paul Unger and his staff for all the support during the tough battle with cancer.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, March 30th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brown-McClay Funeral in Vergennes. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated 10:30 a.m. on March 31st at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes. A mask is required for services. For those who cannot attend in person the funeral services will be recorded and available to watch on the following Saturday, April 3rd on the Brown-McClay Funeral Home Website which the video will be located on the bottom of the obituary. To read the full obituary, send online condolences to her family, or watch the video of the service please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com
9 Responses
The condolences of the whole Richter family go out to Mary’s family. Especially her brother Mike Ringer as we have been long time friends. We are all wishing her family and friends hope that they can be blessed in knowing that her suffering is over and she is in a better place. Much live the Richter family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Vergennes Area Rescue or Addison County Home Health and Hospice in Mary’s name ❤
Dear David, My sincerest sympathies are with you and your family. I was saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. The many memories I have cherished over the years will be with me for a lifetime. Pam Brunelle-Jette
Our condolences to the Essex & Ringer family. Mary babysat our boys many times when we lived in Vergennes in the 1970s. Mary was always a friendly, cheerful and accomodating person I also remember her working at Simmonds Precision. The Ringer family had a significant presence at Simmonds over the years. She will be missed
Mary was a gift to all of us. She was always a ray of sunshine. You would never see her not smiling. She will be missed by so many. I am sending hugs and love to all the family.
Thanks be to God for the life of Mary. May she live in Glory in Heaven and be there to welcome us in when our time comes to be received. Amen.
My deepest condolences to the Ringer and Essex families. I grew up in Vergennes along with Mary and her siblings and worked with her mom, Lucille, for a few years. Those little city bonds remain with us for life. I’ll remember Mary’s bright face and smile. I know that she will be greatly missed and am so sorry for your loss.
Dorene Austin Quesnel
Our deepest condolences to the Essex & Ringer family. May God give you comfort and peace in this difficult time knowing Mary suffers no more and is with her family that have gone before her in her new Heavenly home.
To Mary’s brothers and sister and her husband, children and extended family,
I am saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. Another sibling lost too soon among the family members that I know. Let her smile be the key to that favorite memory you have of her and use it to lift you when you feel shadows creeping in.
Blessings,
Karlene DeVine