May 6, 2012 4 min read

Mary Catherine Furlan, nee Mihok, passed away May 2nd, 2012 after a brief illness. She was supported in passing by her loving daughter Deborah and granddaughter Gillian.

Mary was preceded in death by her spouse of 55 years, Joseph L. Furlan; and by her daughter Nancy who passed away in 2010.

Also preceding her in death were her brothers, Stephen ‘Buck’, Alphonus ‘Moe’, and George ‘Youdy’; and sisters, Frances, Judy, and Terese.

Mary was the daughter of Stephan Mihok and Terese (Brnic) Mihok.

Born in Youngstown, Pa., she moved to Uniontown, Pa. where she lived until 2008. With her daughter’s insistence Mary moved to Bridgewater, New Jersey to be closer to her immediate family. Although she lived independently in an apartment in Bridgewater, New Jersey, she frequently came to her Deborah’s home to make breaded chicken and potato salad and to supervise nut roll and povitica making. The nut roll recipe was only written in shorthand and should anyone attempt to duplicate it, they would find many ingredients missing. Thankfully, Deborah can now make them without a recipe to carry on the wonderful Croatian tradition!

Her life in Bridgewater was busy and fun-filled as she enjoyed going to her granddaughter’s many musical and vocal performances that often included trips to Princeton University to enjoy Westminster Choir concerts. Mary would often joke that she ‘went to Princeton University’ leading people to believe she was a graduate. We all enjoyed the joke and agreed that we all ‘went to Princeton’.

She was surprised and pleased that she lived long enough to see both granddaughters graduate from high school and to witness Gillian graduate from the Westminster Conservatory.

Mary also was treated to several Broadway musicals and local RVCC performances.

She was blessed to have found new friendships with Deborah’s friends who treated her like she was one of their own mothers.

We would like to especially thank the Vinski family who often assisted Deborah with negotiating the ramps at many performances and for providing warm welcomes into their homes for holiday meals and jewelry shows.

Deborah’s friend Roberta frequently bought snowballs for Mary and sent along gift baskets for her enjoyment. Roberta was also instrumental in maneuvering Mary in and out of Holiday performances.

Also, special thanks to her son-in-law Jerry who more than once had to lift her into the van or into the house when her legs were too weak to support her.

Mary was known to both granddaughters friends as ‘Nana’. It was remarkable to see her adopt so many other granddaughters who loved her company.

She was overwhelmed with the love and support she received while living in New Jersey. Mary was well-known at the Time to Eat Diner where she and Deborah enjoyed a weekly dinner. She received special treatment from E r i n, our ‘personal waitress’ and by Philipe, the Manager, who delighted her with his presence.

Mary also walked daily to the local deli to purchase her lottery tickets. It’s sad to say that she never won the big one, but was ever hopeful. She and her daughter often joked that when she won the big one, she would buy a big condominium and her daughter would get a new kitchen.

She was also well-known at the local Fulton Bank and was given special attention by the Assistant Manager, Yvonne, who patiently helped Mary negotiate the myriad of paper work needed to maintain proper records.

Mary is survived by her daughter Deborah, son-in-law, Gerald, and granddaughters, Gillian Marissa and Julia Catherine; her brother, Alexander, and his daughters, Heather and Magen; nieces: Cathy Joyner, Judy Ann Hill, nephew, Melvin Joyner; niece, Marsha Mihok; n e p h e w, Timothy Mihok; sister, B. Jean Duda; niece, Annette Scaccia; greatnephew Gregory Scaccia; plus many other nieces and nephews who live distantly.

The Furlan-Velmer family would like to give thanks and blessings for Mary’s long and joyful life. Everyone that met her was touched by her wit and kindness. We now can celebrate her passing to the next phase of her existence knowing she is at peace.

Friends were received at the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC., 603 N o r t h Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, Pa., on Friday, May 4th, 2012 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, May 5th, 2012 until 9:30 a.m. when Prayers of Transfer were said.

A Funeral Mass followed at 10 a.m. at St. Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, 61 North Mount Vernon Avenue, Uniontown, Pennsylvania with the Reverend Father Stephen R. Bugay as Celebrant

Interment followed at Mount Macrina Cemetery, Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

The Parish Wake Service was held at the Funeral Home on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com