Obituary of Mary G. Loring Whitford

Mary G. (Samarija) Loring Whitford, 90, after a short illness entered peacefully into eternal life on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Van Rensselaer Manor. Born in North Tarrytown, New York, she was the daughter of the late Frances and Roy Samarija. Mary was predeceased by her first husband, William R. Loring and her second husband, Robert B. Whitford, and by four sisters, Helen Sciotti, Anna Emery, Frances Sophie Rivers and Elizabeth Hornsby. Mary was a 1946 graduate of Philip Schuyler High School in Albany. She was a resident of Canajoharie for most of her life, working at the Beech Nut Factory for 42 years, retiring in 1989 from the Print Department. She moved to Franciscan Heights, Rensselaer in 2012 and made many new friends. Affectionately known as "Crazy Mary from Canajoharie" she was a cheerful, upbeat and joyful person, sharing her gift of laughter with all those she encountered. It was often said that Mary was born smiling, a true reflection of her bubbly personality. During her lifetime she had many dogs, cats, goats, sheep and miniature horses. She cared for each with much tenderness and love. Mary enjoyed many vacations to Disney World writing a diary for each of her visits. Her motto was "Have Suitcase-Will Travel" She was a generous and selfless women, taking great pleasure in watching facial expressions of those receiving treasures from her including religious paintings, crosses, rosaries, Hummel, Danbury Mint, Avon and Norman Rockwell collectibles. Mary is survived by her sisters and brothers, Katherine Gilligan of East Greenbush, Jacob Samarya (Mary) of Avenel, New Jersey, John Samarija of Castleton and Amelia Boel (Donald) of Castleton. She is also survived by many beloved and adored nieces, nephews, and other relatives and treasured friends. Thank you to the staff at Van Rensselaer Manor, especially Michele, Nicole, Toni and Christina of the A2 unit, for all the kindness and compassionate care extended to Mary and to Father Joseph O'Brien, for his many visits, prayers and blessings. Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral Friday 12:00pm at Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home 165 Columbia Tpk. Rensselaer and then 12:30pm at the Church of the Holy Spirit 667 Columbia Tpk. East Greenbush, NY 12061 where a funeral mass will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. Calling Hours will be held in the funeral home Thursday from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Church of the Holy Spirit Building Fund.