CHESHIRE, Mass. — The world is less joyful with the passing of Mary Elizabeth Wilk. She left this world on July 30, 2016, to begin her next journey. Her tragic death was the result of massive head injuries sustained when the bicycle she was riding, while leading an adventure trek group, was hit from behind by an elderly driver. 

Mary was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on August 9, 1993, to Joseph and Nancy (Roulier) Wilk of Cheshire, Mass. Besides her beloved parents, Mary leaves behind her brother, Andrew J. Wilk of Nassau, N.Y. 

Mary was treasured by her aunts and uncles, Joanne Roulier of Adams , Victoria Wilk (Harry Arnold) of Brattleboro, Vt., Juliette Wilk-Chaffee (Spencer Chaffee) of Adams, Valerie Wilk (Neal Byrne) of New Bern, N.C., and William Carey of Pittsfield. She will be deeply missed by her cousins  Dr. Benjamin Chaffee of San Francisco, Calif., Katie Dumais of Pittsfield, Karla Chaffee of Medford, Mass., and Jeffrey Amos of Troy, N.Y. 

She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Sara (Candiloro) Roulier; her paternal grandparents, Dr. Julian Wilk and Josephine Bloniarz Wilk,; and her aunt Stella Roulier Carey. 

Mary was the valedictorian of the Hoosac Valley Class of 2012, where she was active in soccer, track and field, basketball, cross-country running and skiing. She was elected Class President, served on the Student Council and participated in Junior Prize Speaking and The Leo Club as president. A 2016 graduate of The University of Vermont with a BS in Microbiology, Mary was an active member of the Outing Club and served as a freshman orientation leader. While enrolled in college she was an intern with the City of Burlington Board of Health and was active in the DREAM mentoring program for underserved children 

Mary was an active individual. She enjoyed hiking, kayaking, biking, rock climbing and just being outdoors and hanging with her friends and family. 

Her infectious smile and sparkling personality left an impression with everyone she met. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Mary remembered her. The joy spread by Mary to all who were blessed to have known her will live on in a special place in our hearts. 

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrating Mary's life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 159 Church St. Cheshire. Burial will be held privately. 

Calling hours are Friday, Aug. 5, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m.  in the Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St., Adams. A fund to honor Mary's memory has been established by her friends from the University of Vermont Outing Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's name may be made online or through the funeral home. Donations could also be made through the funeral Home to Saint Mary of The Assumption Church, 159 Church St. Cheshire, MA 01225.