Mary (Gursky) Forkas

Witherbee

Mary (Mamie) Forkas, 102 years old, passed away peacefully at home in Witherbee, N.Y. on Jan. 9, 2022.

Born in Hamtramck, Michigan, she was the daughter of Polish immigrants, Joseph and Aniela Gursky. The family returned to Witherbee, N.Y. where she attended school, graduating in 1937 from Mineville High School. She married her husband, Louis, in 1940 and raised two daughters, owned and operated a small store called Lou’s Sweet Shop which later morphed into a grocery store.

After retiring, they traveled to San Diego, California and Portland Oregon during the winter months to visit their daughters and two grandchildren.

Mamie was a voracious reader of western, mystery, and romance novels. She also loved the game of Solitaire which she played every day. Mamie was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary in Mineville, N.Y.

She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Farrell of San Diego, Calif. and Mary Lou Struthers (Roger) of Port Ludlow, Wash., grandson Edward Farrell of San Diego, Calif., granddaughter Kristine Farrell Thornham of Denver, Colorado, two great grandchildren Grant and Kate Thornham of Denver, many nieces and nephews and her cat Bob.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Louis, a sister Gladys Catlin, her brothers Walter and infant Stanley Kaminsky, brothers Joseph, Stanley and Johnny Gursky.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, Jan. 16 from 3-5 pm at the Harland Funeral Home in Port Henry.

A Funeral Mass and Burial will take place in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Town of Moriah Ambulance Squad.