Obituary: Mary V. French, 78

Mary V. French, 78, peacefully passed away at Saratoga Hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. She was born in Ballston Spa, New York, on Sept. 2, 1942, the daughter of the late U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Douglas W. Bankschen and Teresa (Guido) Blankschen.

Mary was predeceased by Gary, her husband of 43 years; by Loretta (Blankschen) French who raised her; and her surviving two sisters Joan M. Smith of Colonie, New York, and Shirley B. DeStafeno (Peter J. Pociluyko) of Wilton, New York. She also was predeceased by her in-laws NYS Trooper Sgt. Kenneth French, Grayce French and Keith French.

She resided in Whitehall until 2013. She was a 1961 graduate of Whitehall High School and a 1963 graduate of Farmingdale State University with an associate degree in dental hygiene. She worked in the area as a dental hygienist for more than 45 years.

She married the love of her life, Gary R. French, and they have two surviving sons: Mark R. French (Angela) of Ridgeland, South Carolina, and Scott R. French (Joey) of Las Vegas, Nevada. She also is survived by four grandchildren: Nicholas French of Saratoga, Grayce French at Villanova University and Bixie French and Travis French of Nevada.

Mary loved her family with all her heart. She expressed this with lots of love and through her love of cooking. She enjoyed trips to visit her sons and annual trips to Maine with her sister Shirley. Mary was a warm and caring person who had many friends, both life-long and newer friends from her living community. Mary will be dearly missed by everyone.

At Mary’s request, there will be no services. There will be a memorial service at the convenience of the family. In remembrance of Mary, contribute to your favorite charity, church or organization.

Arrangements are under the care of the Jillson Funeral Home Inc., 46 Williams St., Whitehall, New York.

Online condolences may be made at www.jillsonfuneralhome.com.