Mary Margaret (Duda) Scanlon

Mary Margaret (Duda) Scanlon
July 22, 1944 – July 9, 2025

Mary Margaret (Duda) Scanlon, 80, of Chittenango, New York, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, in Newport, NY, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Born on July 22, 1944, in Syracuse, Mary Margaret was the daughter of Stanley J. and Alice (Stuck) Duda. Affectionately known to many as “Mugsie”, she grew up in East Syracuse, living there for over 40 years before spending two decades in Old Forge. She later returned to the East Syracuse/Chittenango area, where she spent her final years, most recently residing in Newport.  She was a member of the St. Matthew’s/St. Mary’s Parish while living in the Syracuse area.

A graduate of St. Matthew’s School in East Syracuse and Assumption Catholic Academy in Syracuse, Mary Margaret was a devoted mother and homemaker for many years, dedicated to raising her family. She later worked as a legal secretary and office assistant in several businesses in both Syracuse and Old Forge—most notably for attorney George Villiere—where her warmth and dedication left a lasting impression on colleagues and clients alike.  Mugsie later retired from Stickley Furniture in Fayetteville, NY.

In 1986, she met and fell in love with the love of her life, Fran Scanlon, and relocated to Old Forge.  They spent almost 30 years together, filled with family, laughter, companionship, and love before his passing in 2013.

While in Old Forge, Mary Margaret was a proud member of the Xi Gamma Iota sorority, a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, where she formed lasting friendships and actively participated in the organization’s service and sisterhood.

Mary Margaret’s greatest joy came from being with her family. Holidays and family gatherings were treasured times that brought her endless joy and happiness. She was the steady heart of every celebration, a comforting, joyful presence who made everyone feel loved. She never missed a chance to cheer on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at sporting events, school activities, or celebrating milestones big and small.  Mugsie loved painting and scrapbooking, using these as ways to capture and preserve the memories she held dear. Though she faced significant health challenges in recent years, she met each day with strength, determination, and grace.

She is survived by her loving children: Missy Levesque (Larry), Lori Patton (Marshall), Rich Wagner (Beth), Shari Wagner (Chris Croad), and Matt Wagner (Jackie); her cherished grandchildren and their spouses: Austen Levesque, Danny Wagner, Stephen Levesque, Joey Levesque, James Patton, Zach Wagner, Dale Wagner, Kayden Clubine, Sabrina Clubine, Samantha Sovern, Devin Croad, Madison Wagner, Jordan Wagner, Hannah Wagner, Jake Wagner, Hayley Thompson, Colin Smyth, and Ryan Smyth; and her adored great-grandchildren: Holden Levesque, Lucas Wagner, and Bowen Levesque.

She is also survived by her brothers Richard Duda (Mary) and Bernie Duda (Laure); many nieces and nephews; her dear friends Kathy and Chuck Eno; and Fran’s children: Paula Hayes (Dave), MaryAnn Levesque (Rodney), and Tom Scanlon (Susan) and their families.

In addition to her parents, Mary Margaret was predeceased by her beloved husband, Fran Scanlon; her grandson, Nate Wagner; and her siblings Stanley (Ted), Daniel, Jerry, Helen, Gregory, and Kathy.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 16th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Church in East Syracuse, NY. Her family will welcome visitors before the Mass (10-11 am) at the church. Following the service, Mary Margaret will be laid to rest next to Fran at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Minoa.

A special thank you to Dream Smith and the compassionate nurses and therapists from At Home Care, whose dedication and support helped make it possible for Mugsie to remain in the comfort of her home, surrounded by love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Griffin’s Guardians (www.griffinsguardians.org), St. Matthew’s Food Pantry in East Syracuse, or a charity of your choosing, in honor of Mary Margaret’s life and legacy.

Mugsie will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was deeply loved and will be forever missed.

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