Funeral services for Mary Lou Rupp, age 61 of Ogdensburg, will be held on Saturday (May 4, 2019) at 7:00 PM at Galilee United Methodist Church, 5129 County Route 6, Ogdensburg, NY with Rev. Tom Nichols officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pine Hill Cemetery, Eel Weir Road, Ogdensburg, New York.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, (May 3, 2019) from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Fox & Murray Funeral Home. Mary Lou passed away on Wednesday May 1, 2019, surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.
Surviving is her husband William J. Rupp; daughters Abbie (Kevin) McArdle; Kelsie Rupp and her fiancé Dominic Cesarini, Mother Dorothy Simms; brothers John (Julie) Simms, Jay (Robin) Simms; sisters Barbara (Dave) Sullivan, Janet (Mark) Brouillette and Janice (Rick) Sutphin; grandchildren Connor Boone McArdle, Cora Valentine McArdle; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her father William J. Simms; a brother Dale Livingston Simms and two nephews Michael Sullivan and Tyler Simms predeceased her.
She was born on December 12, 1957, a daughter of William J. & Dorothy (Livingston) Simms. She graduated from Heuvelton Central School, and continued her education at Potsdam State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree. She later married William J. Rupp on May 21, 1983.
Mary Lou began work in 1980 with Jreck Subs, and later went on to own and operate five franchise stores in the Central New York area for the next ten years. In 1992 she owned and operated “Simply Sandwiches” with her husband Bill, which the couple operated for 13 years. In 2003, she then became employed at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office in Canton as a clerk, and in 2008 obtained the Deputy County Clerk position. In 2012 she was elected to the St. Lawrence County Clerk position which she has held until present.
Mary Lou was very active in her church, and was also a strong advocate for “Donate for Life” in St Lawrence County. She also received the Betsy Kaplan award from the St. Lawrence County Republican Committee, and was a past recipient of the women of the year award presented by Senator Patty Richie. She also was nominated and received the Alumni of the year award from the Heuvelton Alumni Association.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department 95 N State St. Heuvelton, NY 13654. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may also be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.