Mary Grace English

Mary Grace King English, 97 of Carmichaels, Pa., passed away at 1:43 P.M. on Thursday, May 26, 2011 in her home. She was born November 9, 1913 in Jefferson, Pa., a daughter of the late George and Alice (Robey) King. At the age of 13, Mrs. English began working in her father's restaurant, "Pop" King's, located on the square in Carmichaels. While her husband, Harry, served in the U. S. Navy, she worked at the Clark Candy Company in Pittsburgh, Pa. Her famous pie baking skills became popular when she worked at Mary's Lunch Counter located in the former Gabler's Drug Store in Carmichaels. Mrs. English began working at the new Gabler's Drug Store when it was relocated across the street in Carmichaels until her retirement. Mrs. English has been a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carmichaels since 1928. It is noteworthy that she held the longest membership at the Church of 83 years. On April 22, 1937, she married Harry C. English in Oakland, Md. He departed from her on this earth, but never from her heart on September 7, 2002. Surviving are her daughter, Joyce English Fortney and her fiancé, Gary Varesko, of Carmichaels; two granddaughters, her loving caretaker, Kelli Murphy, of Carmichaels and her fiancé, Shane Lapana, and Jennifer Gaggiani and her husband, Fred, of New Salem, Pa.; two great granddaughters, Julia and Sophia Gaggiani and a special little great nephew, Shane McNamara of Carmichaels. Many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly, also survive her. The special time she spent with her family meant the world to her. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. English is predeceased by a daughter, Pamela Sue English, who died at birth; her son-in-law, Paul (Jerry) Fortney, who was like a son to her; her step mother, Ethel King; two brothers, Harry King and his wife, Madge, and Albert King and his wife, Betty; three sisters, Mabel English and her husband, Quentin, Libby Boyle and her husband, Bob, and Martha Coles and her husband, Chuck, and her best friend and neighbor of more than 60 years, Lena May Burnette. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Mrs. English's former caregiver and friend, Ruby Walters, as well as the staff of Amedisys Hospice. With their loving care and support, along with her granddaughter Kelli's continuous devotion and care, Mrs. English was able to remain in her own home until her passing. Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. on Tuesday and from 12:30 P.M. until 1:30 P.M., the hour of service, on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 in the Yoskovich Funeral Home (724-966-5500), Martin J. Yoskovich, Funeral Director, 300 South Vine Street (Route 88), Carmichaels, Pa. The Rev. Bruce R. Judy will officiate. Interment will follow at Greene County Memorial Park. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church, 104 W. South St., Carmichaels, PA 15320.