M ary Elizabeth Mahusky of Granville, NY passed on February 26, 2011. She was born on March 29, 1917 in Tomkins Cove, New York. Mary was the daughter of the late Margaret (McDermott) and Watson Thomas VanWart.
Mary was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Frank, who just passed on, on February 15th, 2011; pre-deceased also by her beloved son, Van Edward Mahusky; and by her older brother, James Wesley VanWart.
Mary is survived by her treasured daughter, Margg Mahusky of Glenmont, NY; 3 grand-daughters: Jessica (and Sam) Sullivan of Albany; Joy Mahusky of Newburgh and Michelle Williams of Hartford. Jessica’s son, Cooper Oliver Sullivan is Mary’s “Darlin” great grandson. Mary has several nieces and nephews including Catherine O’Dea of Newburgh, James W. VanWart Jr. of Newburgh. Mary also has three great-nephews: Justin VanWart, Ryan VanWart and Brendon O’Dea.
Before moving to Granville, Mary worked as a legal secretary for years. Then when the children were young, Mary was always a hands-on Mom; den mother for Van’s Cub Scouts and Brownie Troop leader for Margg.
In 1960, Mary,Frank and the kids moved from Newburgh to Granville. And when the kids grew, Mary went to work again at the Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, in charge of arranging conjugal visits.
Mary was a member of the Friends of the Pember Library and for decades she enjoyed the Golden Girls Birthday Club. Mary, always quick with a laugh, loved black licorice and hot fudge sundaes and a good book (especially if written by an Irishman). Mary may best be remembered as the little Lady, wearing a visor, who loved driving that little red car. How she loved driving that little red car!
And Mary’s last words to anyone who cares about her: “Don’t grieve for me; sigh.”
In keeping with Mary’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 23 Bulkley Ave., Granville on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 11 am with the Rev. Joseph X. Arockiasamy presiding.
The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Pember Library 33 West Main St. Granville, NY 12832 in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert M King Funeral Home, 23 Church St. Granville, NY 12832.
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