Mary C. Forness

Mary Catherine Forness, age 84, 161 South 25th Street, Olean, New York, lifelong resident of River Street, Salamanca, New York died at The Absolut of Allegany, New York.

Born on October 8, 1926 in Salamanca, New York she was the daughter of the late Jacob & Gertrude Ballard Crist. She was married on April 28, 1948 in St. Patrick's Church to Mr. Richard Forness who predeceased her on April 29, 1991.

She was formerly employed at the F.W Woolworth and J.J. Newberry Stores.

Mrs. Forness was a member of the former St. Patrick's Altar & Rosary Society, Girl Scouts, Ladies Auxiliary of the United Transportation Union, former Parish Council Member, and a former member of the St. Patrick's Church Choir. She coached Youth Softball and was active many years in Girl Scouting where she founded Troop #145 in Salamanca..

Surviving are: 2 daughters, Michele "Mickey" Forness, Olean, New York, Barbara (Dale) Walker, Olean, New York; a son, Gary (Mary Beth)Forness, Williston Park, New York ; 3 grandchildren, Mary Alice (Chris) Strickland, Glen Oaks, New York, Brian (Jenn Harmon) Nary, Chicago, Ill., Ellen (Dan Boyd) Nary, Brockport, New York; a brother, Charles "Bud" Crist, Salamanca, New York; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother, Jacob Crist.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Parish on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at a time to be announced.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.

The family suggests memorials to the donor's choice.