Mary Beth Pels

ROTTERDAM- Mary Beth Pels, devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on May 20, 2026. She was 71.

Born in Lockport, NY, Mary was one of five children born to the late Willis and Eleanor Mohlar. Growing up on a fruit farm, she had fond memories of playing among the trees in the orchard, which would later give way to Mary’s love for baking and the creation of her famous apple pie. Always made with McIntosh apples from Niagara County and an expertly crafted crust, friends and family far and wide looked forward to the dessert every fall.

In 1980, Mary met William Pels, after being introduced as colleagues at Ward-Beals industrial supply distributor in Lockport. In 1983, they married, and in the years that followed, welcomed two sons: Gordon, born in 1985, and John, born in 1987. Mary deeply enjoyed motherhood, and sharing her love of literature, specifically Anne of Green Gables, with her children was a highlight for the whole family. As Gordon and John went off to elementary school, she worked within the Mohonasen Central School district in various capacities as a library aide, an aide for special education students, and in the business office. Later, she also held a position as an independently contracted medical transcriptionist.

Mary lived a rich, full life spent surrounded by her family, where singing, cooking, reading, enjoying live music, visiting museums, writing poetry, and the Buffalo Bills were among her great loves. A skilled seamstress and crafter, she often made items for herself and her family, whether it be a flannel button-front for William, handknit sweaters for her sons, or crocheted blankets.

Throughout her life, she sang in several bands, across a number of genres, including folk and rock. She also lent her vocal talents to the choir at Carman United Methodist Church, where she was a longtime member. Away from her home in Rotterdam, where she lived for 41 years, Mary delighted in the Hurricane Deck at Niagara Falls, admiring the power and beauty of nature.

Toward the end of her life, she received excellent care at Schuyler Ridge Residential Healthcare, where the dedicated staff treated her like family.

Mary is survived by her husband of 42 years, William Pels; sons Gordon Pels (Anne Croissant) and John Pels (Maigread Coughlan); and siblings Debbie Burnham, Christine Beccue, Steve Mohlar, and Molly Elmore.

All services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Schenectady City Mission, PO Box 760 Schenectady, NY 12301 or to the Community Hospice and sent to the Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

To share a memory of Mary or leave a special message for her family, please visit the online guestbook.