Obituary of Mary M. Frumkin

COEYMANS HOLLOW- Mary M. Frumkin, 78, peacefully passed away on March 17, 2022, at the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Barnwell after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mary was born on March 4, 1944, in Watertown, NY, to Valentine and Edith (Szakacs) Heubel. She grew up in a loving family with two younger sisters. Mary graduated from the University at Albany Teachers College with a BEd. She held a position in the NYS Education Department in both the Federal and State Aid Units. During that time, she also worked tirelessly on behalf of New York State employees as an early activist for an emerging Employee Union, PEF. She remained active in various roles in the union throughout her career. After retirement, she worked as a sales representative in various businesses in the Albany area for ten years until her illness. Mary married Gary Gurney in September 1997, and they have lived in rural Coeymans Hollow since 1983 with their various big and small cherished animals. In addition to her animals, Mary loved the ocean, and she and Gary looked forward to many vacations on the shores of Cape Cod over the years. They enjoyed everything the area had to offer from fishing, boating, biking, and exploring. Mary is survived by her husband, Gary, as well as her two sisters, Catherine Klee (Bill) and Elizabeth Canam; several brother and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents. Mary loved all of her animals, but she especially loved her beloved dog, Valentine, and the memories of her former beloved horse, Ember and dog, Rory, too. Cremation took place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc. At Mary’s request, there will be a private memorial service held for the family on Saturday, March 26. The family would especially like to thank everyone in the St. Peter’s Hospital Oncology Unit for the loving care and support they gave to Mary throughout the several years of her cancer treatment, as well as Kenny and all the caring staff members on the third floor of the Barnwell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. To leave a special message for the family, please visit: SimpleChoicesCremation.com