Heaven gained a beautiful soul on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 when Mary Bracci Bowen, of State Route 10, Summit found eternal peace in the warmth and comfort of her home.

She was born on September 28, 1940 in Brooklyn to Catherine (Elbert) and Umberto Bracci.  Mary moved to Summit, NY in 1971 and in 1972 she was the first woman in Schoharie County to complete the Essentials of Firemanship School. Mary served as a fireman for 35 years and helped form the Summit Rescue Squad.

Mary drove school bus for several years and was a Senior Audit Clerk with the NYS Dept. of Taxation and Finance for 25 years before retiring.

To say her life was filled with precious moments is an understatement.  Mary's life was filled with her collection of Precious Moments figurines that is almost unrivaled.  From her personal friendship with founder, Samuel L. Butcher, to becoming known as "Jellybean Mary," her passion for the adorable figurines brought her endless happiness.

As did her family. Mary herself penned, "When I was born, I had a hole in my heart. This hole, it got bigger and bigger, so I talked to God and he gave me four children. There was still a lot of room in that hole, so he gave me wonderful grandchildren. I turned over one day and found a new hole. God told me that he would bless me with seven great-grandchildren. I love them all with all my heart. I never want anyone to think that I love one more than another. My love is

endless and I could always love more."

Loving her forever are her daughters: Patricia Bowen, Barbara (Joseph) Terracciano; son: Charles A. Bowen, Jr.; grandchildren: Danielle (Marc) Chiles, Elizabeth (Kous) Ait Oumessaoud, Amanda Bowen, Jacqulyn Wilklow, KC Wilklow, Angelina (Ricky Babcock) Terracciano, Anthony (Gabrella) Bowen, III,  Nicholas Terracciano; great-grandchildren: Annabelle, Adam, Noah, Aksil, Raegan, Evelyn, Oaklyn; brothers: Michael Bracci and Timothy (Winifred) Bracci; many nieces, nephews, stepchildren, step-grandchildren and her beloved caretakers.  Mary was predeceased by her daughter: JoAnn Wilklow; her soulmate: Charles Nikolaus; her siblings: Kathleen Zeigler and Alfred Bracci and sister-in-law: Margaret Bracci.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh, NY 12122.  All are invited to visit with Mary's family from 11:00AM-12:00PM prior to the service.

Memorial donations are requested to the Summit Rescue Squad or the Summit Fire Department, PO Box 400, Summit, NY 12175.