HORNELL-Mary C. Raish, 82, formerly of Glen Ave., passed away late Friday morning (Oct. 13, 2017) at Updyke’s Willow Ridge in Hornell, after a long illness.
Born in Wellsville on June 24, 1935, she was the daughter of the late James and Seraphine (Sweeney) Coleman. On May 8, 1965, she was married at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell to Thomas M. Raish, who predeceased her on Feb. 24, 2010 after 44 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her brother, Robert Coleman, her sister-in-law, Shirley Coleman, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Shirley Raish; her brother-in-law, William Raish; and her two nephews, Andy Raish and Larry Raish.
Mary spent her early years in Rexville before moving to Hornell, where she resided most of her life and was a graduate of Hornell High School, Class of 1954.
At one time she was employed as an operator for the former New York Telephone Co. before she began to raise her family. Later, and before she retired, she assisted her brother, Earl “Doc” Coleman at the former Loohn’s Cleaners and Launderer’s in Hornell.
Throughout the years Mary was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Rexville and St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. She was also a social member of the Greenwood American Legion, the Hornell American Legion and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Am vets in Hornell.
When Mary was younger she liked to travel and especially enjoyed a trip to Ireland. She dedicated her life to her family and loved spending time with all of them, and looked forward to attending the Coleman family reunion every year on Irish Hill in Rexville. Mary also enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren’s activities.
Her loving family includes her two daughters, Michele (Michael) Curtis of Hornell and Patti (Jay) Schwerthoffer of Batavia; her four grandchildren, Erika and Carlie Curtis and Allie and Evan Thomas Schwerthoffer; her brother, Earl “Doc” Coleman of Hornell; her two sisters-in-law, Joan Coleman of Hornell and Lois Raish of Canisteo; as well as her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Mary C. Raish.
Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. today (Monday) at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to meet her family at St. Mary’s Church in Rexville where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either the Hornell Area Family YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, N.Y. 14843 or to Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, N.Y. 14870. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank the Sager-Bates Home and Updyke’s Willow Ridge in Hornell for the wonderful care that Mary received.
Online condolences or remembrances of Mary are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
