Obituary of Mary Carol Fisher

Mary Carol Fisher May 12, 2011 Mary Carol Kennedy Fisher, 76, formerly of Solvay, passed away on Wednesday at her Westvale home. Born in Syracuse, Mary Carol attended Solvay Elementary and Cathedral Academy before graduating from Solvay High School (Class of '52). The daughter of Edwin and Marion "Connie" Kennedy, Mary Carol chased and married the paper boy, Robert John Fisher, also of Solvay. After 44 years of marriage, Robert preceded her in 2003. Mary Carol is survived by her sons Robert and William (Karen) of Syracuse, NY; daughter Carol Ann of New York, NY; sisters Ann Leonard, Laura Jean Eagan, and Helen Bruzdzinski; and beloved grandchildren Daniel, Sara, John, Michaela, and Billy. Her son Daniel preceded Mary Carol in 1974. Mary Carol was an exceptional advocate, volunteer, and fundraiser for people with developmental disabilities throughout her adult life. She made frequent trips to Albany in the 1970's to lobby for legislation, now known as the Padavan law, that allows group homes to bypass local zoning if they meet state codes. Today, the Arc of Onondaga maintains 25 certified residential sites in the area. Mary Carol also advocated tirelessly for developmentally disabled children to receive equal educational opportunities in public schools. Mary Carol made many friends at Bellevue Country Club, St. Ann's Church, and everywhere she went in her life. She was a long-suffering Buffalo Bills fan and season ticket holder. A lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church, she was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Ann's Church, 4471 Onondaga Blvd., Syracuse. Calling hours will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary Carol's name to Arc of Onondaga, 600 S. Wilbur Ave., Syracuse, 13204.