AMENIA — Mary A. Wilkens, age 90, of Powderhouse Road in Amenia, passed away suddenly on Dec. 20, 2022, in Sharon. She was the loving wife of the late George F. Wilkens, to whom she was married for 69 years.
Mary was born on Sept. 23, 1932, in Queens, New York, where she and George lived for more than a decade before moving their family to Bedford, New York. Mary enrolled at Pace University, and while raising three children, attended school full time, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Mary proceeded to work for IBM as the Executive Secretary to IBM founder Tom Watson, in Armonk, New York, then as an editor, and finally manager, working there until her retirement.
Mary was a dedicated volunteer for many years at the Amenia Library, serving on the Board of Trustees. She organized book sales, purchased books for the library and spearheaded the fundraising for the new addition. The expression that when a person dies, a library burns down, was so true for Mary. Her wealth of knowledge, her ability to quote any poem to its finish, her incredible intellect, her continuous questioning, analyzing and creative mind are a loss to all who had the good fortune to know her.
Mary was a loving and generous person, which extended beyond her family and friends. She was passionate about many causes, donated to numerous charities, and always offered a hand to someone in need.
She is survived by a daughter Kate Franklin (married to Douglas Schone) a son Matt (married to Amanda), and Brett (married to Joan), five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Cecilia, and her son-in-law Christopher Franklin, in addition to her husband.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be planned and posted on her Facebook page and on her children’s Facebook pages, as well as in the local newspaper. Memorial contributions may be made to the Amenia Free Library, 3303 NY-343, Amenia NY, 12501. The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
