Mrs. Patricia E. (Seery) Fuerst

Mrs. Patricia E. (Seery) Fuerst, age 78, of North Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center embraced by her loving family. Born in Yonkers, NY on June 25, 1932, Patricia was the daughter of the late Thomas and Josephine (Gardner) Seery. She was raised and educated in Syracuse as well as Albany, and she furthered her education at the College of St. Rose where she earned a degree in education. On September 10, 1955 she married her soul mate, Preston R. Fuerst; together they shared their life and love until Patricia passed on the day of their 55th wedding anniversary. Their marriage was a testimony to what happiness should be and their children admired and modeled their relationships upon this example. Patricia worked for the Oneida County Department of Social Services for many years. Lastly, she was employed by Zogby International as a pollster, a position she truly enjoyed and was well suited to. A hospitable woman, she welcomed others to her home, and was nicknamed the “Kool-Aid” mom when her kids were young. A good listener, she was interactive with people and innately interested in the details of the lives of her friends and family. Her grandchildren were one of the greatest joys that came into her life, and she continuously supported and enjoyed their activities. She had an ability to connect with each of them individually. Her Irish heritage was so important to her, and it was through memories, visits to the homeland, pride in the family crest, and recounting stories of her ancestry that helped to keep it alive. Reading was her passion, and she inscribed each book with a notation that it had been read; history was her special area of interest. Special family functions were never forgotten and were enhanced by her ability to send poignant messages through cards to special people in her life, and always in a “timely fashion”. In accordance with her observance of special days, Heaven forbid you should forget St. Patrick’s Day! Her spirituality was renewed daily and she never waivered in her devotion to her Catholic faith. She was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Patricia is survived by her husband, Pret; her children and their spouses, Mark G. and M. J. (Herbert) Fuerst of FL, Mary Jo and Paul Hojohn of Vernon, Matthew and Connie Fuerst of FL, and Catherine and James Mack of Deerfield; and her cherished grandchildren, Meghan and Madison Fuerst; Ally and Brie Hojohn; Ryan and Halle Fuerst; and Korrie and Michael Mack. Survivors also include her sister and brother-in-law, Catherine “Kitty” and Joe Briggs of VA; her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Eileen Seery of Clifton Park; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Charles and Kathy Fuerst. She was also blessed with many friendships during her life. The family will honor and celebrate Patricia’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to Historic Old St. John’s Church or the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the service. Committal prayers and interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Patricia E. (Seery) Fuerst

June 25, 1932 - September 10, 2010