Obituary of Pym Mumford

Pym Underwood Mumford, 73, of Syracuse, New York, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Surviving family members are her husband Jack Mumford; her four children, Dan Mumford, Lucy Mumford (Justin), Catherine Hart (Mel), and Peter Mumford (Pixie); and four grandchildren, Andrew, Nathan, and Darcy Mumford, and Solomon Hart; as well as a sister, Marian Buda (Lou) of Syracuse, New York, and a brother, Will Underwood (Karin) of Kent, Ohio, and their children.

Born on November 20th, 1951, in Cambridge, England, Pym grew up in Austin, Texas; New Haven, Connecticut; Cannes, France; and Syracuse, New York. She graduated from Nottingham High School in Syracuse in 1969, and then attended a finishing school in St. Blaise, Neuchatel, Switzerland, where she was able to pursue her love of languages. A high point of her youth was a trip she took around Europe in 1971 with a friend, Heidi Huddleston, before she started college. She attended Syracuse University, earning a BA in French and German and an MS in foreign language education, honing her extraordinary gift for languages (fluency in French, German, Italian and Spanish, along with an interest in Greek and Russian). During her college years, she also exercised another of her talents, a gift for music and especially singing, becoming a soprano in SU's Hendrick's Chapel choir. 

Pym met Jack Mumford while attending Syracuse University, and the two married at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Syracuse on August 5, 1978. She briefly taught high school French in the early months of her marriage, but then settled into married life in the house on Oakley Drive she and Jack lived in for the rest of her life, having and raising their family of four children. Pym became a dedicated Christian as a young wife and mother, and church formed a significant part of her life. She loved singing in her church, which she did regularly for many years. As active Christians, Pym and Jack put their beliefs into action by often hosting foreign students and opening their home to those in need, and Pym used her broad skillset by helping Congolese refugees settle in Syracuse.

Pym and Jack were active and loving parents.  They fostered their children’s interest in the natural world and community, while Pym created a loving and comfortable home and, as talented cook and baker, fed the family delicious meals. She also instilled in her children a true passion for learning, reading and international travel. As Jack expressed it, she was a true librocubicularist--someone who loves to read in bed--a habit that the whole family indulged in. In their early years, the children could often be found gathered around Pym in bed as she read to them. She and Jack likewise enjoyed reading to each other throughout their nearly 47-year marriage. Pym was a talented writer, penning many stories as well as keeping journals and staying in touch by letter with friends around the world. Pym shared with her family her love of music, often singing and playing on the family piano and encouraging their talents in that direction.

A memorial celebration of Pym's life will be held in on Wednesday, June 11 at The Lafayette Alliance Church, family visiting hours are from 10am – 12pm, with the memorial service following at noon. Donations may be made in her name to St. Jude’s Hospital.