In Memory of Mary Hatfield Vicks

Obituary

Mary Hatfield Vicks died on May 1, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born in Utica, NY on July 1, 1934, the daughter of Dr. Albert Richard Hatfield and Jeannette Davidson Hatfield. Mary graduated from New Hartford High School in 1952 and McGill University, Montreal, Canada in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, double majoring in chemistry and math. She was President of the Royal Victoria College (the women’s college of McGill University) in her senior year and a member of the Honorary Society and swim team. Mary married Dwight E. Vicks, Jr., on January 4, 1958.

Mary was truly one of a kind. She carried optimism, light, and joy with an open heart, and the world was a better place when she was around. Her warmth and positivity were deeply felt by all who knew her, and she instinctively made others feel seen and welcomed. Mary passed on to her children and grandchildren a series of quotes, “Let’s not waste the day!”, “Life is not a dress rehearsal!”, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!”, “99% of the things you worry about will not happen!”.

Mary is survived by her three children and their families: daughter Cathy Jerrard, her husband Dana Jerrard, grandson Erik Jerrard and his wife Julie Paret and their daughters Meredith and Anna, granddaughter Molly Jerrard and her husband Aaron Goemann and their daughters Raena and Sierra, grandson Kevin Jerrard and his wife Vivian her daughter Judy Sweet, her partner Dr. David Churchill, grandson Bryant Sweet and granddaughter Heather McCoy and her husband James McCoy; son Dwight E. Vicks III, his partner Kathy Dodd, grandson Dwight H. Vicks, and granddaughters Sara Vicks and Dr. Emily Vicks Rose and her husband David Rose.  She also leaves brother John Hatfield and his wife Diane, sister Heather Stafford and her husband Edward, sister Louise Heindel and her husband Dan and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Dwight E. Vicks, Jr., in 2011, her sister Dr. Jeannette Corwin in 2012 and her husband Dr. Howard Corwin in 2025, nephew Thomas Corwin in 1988, and her daughter-in-law Jean Vicks in 2013.

Mary was an active member of the Utica, NY community.  She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and served on the vestry.  She was a former member of the Junior League and in 1966 received a volunteer service award.  She was a former member of the Faxton Hospital Council and board member of The Utica Zoo, The Children’s Museum, and The House of Good Shepherd where she served on the Development Committee. Mary served on the Utica Zoning Board of Appeals for many years and served on the Oneida Herkimer Joint Planning Board from 1980 -2000. She was a member of the Utica Civic Musical Society Board and ran the Young People’s Concerts for several years.  She was a member of the United Way Board and in 1971 chaired the AAA Division for the campaign.  She was a strong supporter of Planned Parenthood and was both secretary and vice president of the Board.  Mary was also a volunteer tutor, and she worked for many years in the accounting department of Vicks Lithograph and Printing Corp.

Mary was a member of the Sadaquada Golf Club, Fort Schuyler Club and Audubon Country Club in Naples, FL.  She was a voracious reader and enjoyed skiing, sailing, tennis, golf and walking.

A celebration of life service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Utica, on June 6th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the International Thyroid Oncology Group (ITOG), inspired by her late daughter-in-law Jean Vicks, or Planned Parenthood.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.fwefh.com