Mary Vernatter

Mrs. Mary Francis Vernatter, age 91, of Potsdam, NY passed away on January 25, 2012 at her residence in the village of Potsdam while under the care of her family and the Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley. A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church with Rev. Msgr. Robert Aucoin celebrant. Burial will take place in the spring at the Calvary Cemetery in Norwood, NY. Friends may call at the Garner Funeral Service on Friday from 4-7 pm. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, The Maplewood Campus or to St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam. Online condolences can be sent @www.garnerfh.com.

Mary is survived by her daughters Margaret Scoville of Potsdam; Virginia “Ginny” (Leo) Grant of Canton and Potsdam; grandchildren, Douglas (George) Scoville-Upham; Nicole (Nelson) Jimenez; Jeff, Leanne, David (Jennifer) Grant and Margo (Christopher) Whyte; great grandchildren Anthony, Dominic and Carlyle Jimenez and Darien Grant; her brother Pat Trimboli.

Mary was born on October 18, 1920 in Raymondville, NY to the late Dominic and Rose Trimboli. She grew up in Raymondville, NY. She was a graduate of Norwood High School. On June 14, 1942 at the Division Chapel at Pine Camp (currently Fort Drum) she was married to William W. Vernatter with Rev. Francis E. Moriarty celebrant. Mary was in Watertown at Nursing School when she met William. Meeting her husband was Mary’s happiest moment. He was a soldier from West Virginia and was up here helping to build Fort Drum. They lived in Texas, Ohio and then Potsdam for over 50 years.

Mary was a wonderful homemaker. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was especially devoted to help taking care of her daughter Ginny in the Nursing Home. She often drove back and forth numerous times a day. Mary loved to cook for her family and friends. She was famous for her spaghetti and meatballs and cheeseballs. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church. Mary enjoyed reading, visiting with her grandchildren and again, helping out at the Nursing Home.