Mollie C. Greder-Staley

Mollie Colette (nee Greder) Staley passed away peacefully April 18, 2025, at the age of 73, on a warm

Good Friday evening at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by loved ones, after a brief but hard-fought illness.

Born on May 15, 1951, in Dunkirk, Mollie was the beloved daughter of Catherine (Miller) and Edward

J. Greder, Jr., and resided in Dunkirk most of her life. Mollie married her husband Robert “Bob” Staley

on December 27, 1980 and they became parents to two sons, Edward and Jonathan, whom she loved

unconditionally. She was a loving wife and mother, and also a cherished friend to many.

Mollie was a highly educated & independent woman, whose academic journey began in the Dunkirk

Public Schools, where she cultivated a lifelong passion for education. She went on to earn both a

Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from Fredonia State University College, then embarking on a

career as a Secondary English teacher. Her commitment to learning led her to change careers. She

earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from D’Youville College, an experience she loved, and went

on to serve as the Assistant Director of Nursing at the (former) Chautauqua County Home, leaving a

lasting impact on many families and residents. Retiring in 2008, Mollie then devoted herself to her

family, community, and friends. Known for her nurturing spirit, her compassion touched countless

lives.

Mollie’s vibrant personality shone through her many interests. Outside of spending time with her two

cherished sons, Mollie avidly enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, photography, playing instruments &

singing, hitting the golf course, and ballroom dancing. She found joy in volunteering and dedicated her

time to St. Columban’s community hosting dancing lessons. A proud member of several organizations,

Mollie was involved with the Women of the Moose, the American Legion Post 59 Auxiliary, the

Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, the Chautauqua County Corvette Club, and the Shorewood Country

Club, to name a few. She was also a practicing member within the Lily Dale community, where she

found spiritual guidance.

Mollie is survived by her sons, Jonathan and Edward (Sara) Staley, and grandson Caden Staley; her

brother, Kenyon Shultz of Ecuador, her sister, Marie Andreas of CA; many nieces, nephews, and

cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Edward and John; her sister, Yvonne;

her sister, Dr. Colette Greder, C.P.; her beloved late husband, Robert J. Staley; and her beloved fiancé,

John A. Smagner.

Mollie’s legacy of love, service, and joy will forever be remembered by her family and friends. Her

light will continue to shine.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice that you feel

Mollie would appreciate.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery.