Obituary of Mary A. Forster (Fitzpatrick)

Mary A. Forster (Fitzpatrick) 86, of Binghamton, peacefully passed away Friday, March 31, 2017 after a long illness. She was predeceased by her husband, Leonard T. Forster; her son John S. Forster; her parents, Alice Fitzpatrick (Malia) and John P. Fitzpatrick; her sister Margaret Eaton (Fitzpatrick), brother James J. Fitzpatrick and his wife Patricia Fitzpatrick (Tyler), inlaws Roxanna P. Forster (Tripp), Frank W. Forster. She is survived by her son Dan T. Forster and Debra A. Scouten (Forster) and her husband Charles W. Scouten; grandchildren Matthew F. Scouten, Michael R. Scouten, and C. David Scouten, Trevor Forster, Brittany Forster and Mac Forster, and in law Lyle Eaton, her many friends at St. John Vianney; her caregiver Tami Burford and several nieces, nephews and neighbors. Mary Forster although born in Peckville, Pennsylvania, lived most of her life in Binghamton, NY. She was a graduate of St. Patrick's Academy and married her sweetheart at the age of 19 the week before he went off to WWII. Mary worked and saved all of her salary while her husband served in the army. When he came back from the war, she surprised him with the money she earned that helped them build their home in which they lived for 60 years. Mary's great loves were her family, friends, gardening, cooking, and decorating and celebrating everything and everyone. Friends of her children were always welcome in her home and fabulous food was always available. She hosted neighborhood parties and holidays were filled with family and Mary always included her friends in celebrations. She had a gift for fashion and decorating. She worked at an upscale retail store for many years, decorating the windows and helping clients look their best. She also volunteered for many non-profits for much of her life. She volunteered for St. Patrick's PTA and was elected an officer of the association. She also volunteered for the Ladies of Charity, Nearly New Store, The Altar and Rosary Society, and most recently Lourdes Gift Shop. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Binghamton and St. John Vianney Senior Social Club. The family would like to thank the Mercy House staff for their kindness, warmth and support during her illness. She loved the whole staff and volunteers and the family is very grateful for their assistance. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Highland Avenue, Binghamton, Tuesday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Mary's memory may be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY 13760.