Born: July 31, 1924
Died: May 27, 2005
Married: Edwin Peter Fobare
Children: Patricia Fobare Erickson
Mary Louise Sangiovanni Fobare was a nurse for many years at the Saranac Lake General Hospital. Mary was born in Tupper Lake to Angelo and Margaritte (Espinausse) Sangiovanni. Angelo was from Genoa Italy and Margaritte was from Belgium. They both travelled thru Ellis Island to enter the United States. Mary's brothers and sisters were: Pasqualle, James, Dominique, Josephine, Dorothy, and Salvatore. She went to nursing school in Ogdensburg, and completed her nursing rotations in New York City. She then moved to Saranac Lake and married her high school sweetheart, Edwin Peter Fobare (birth certificate =Peter Edwin Fobare), known as Ed. Mary and Edwin adopted a baby in the fall of 1957 and named her Patricia Ann Fobare (now married and known as Patricia Fobare Erickson). Mary lived for her family and was a dedicated wife and mother. Her first nursing job was at the State Hospital in Tupper Lake. She continued working in Saranac Lake at the General Hospital (that older hospital building is now North Country Community College), and did so until she retired. She was known as a kind and meticulous nurse with excellent skills. In her elderly years, after Edwin died, she became ill with Alzheimer's and lived her final days with Pat, Jon and her grandchildren Louis and Jon in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, May 31, 2005
Mary Louise (Sangiovanni) Fobare
SARANAC LAKE - Mary Louise (Sangiovanni) Fobare, 80, died peacefully in the early afternoon on Friday, May 27, 2005.
Born on July 31, 1924 in Tupper Lake, she grew up and lived most of her working life in the Tri-Lakes area. She went to nursing school as a young woman in Ogdensburg, completed her nursing rotations in New York City and moved to Saranac Lake, where she married her high school sweetheart, Edwin Peter Fobare.
Mary first worked in Tupper Lake at the State Hospital, but soon transferred to Saranac Lake General Hospital, where she spent the rest of her nursing career. She was known as a wonderful nurse by those fortunate enough to be under her care.
Mary was a loving wife and mother who spent her time graciously caring for her family and friends. She had a light heart and loved to spoil her family. Her chocolate cake (a special modified recipe of Rita Sweeney's - thanks, Rita) and her homemade macaroni soup and spaghetti; sauce were renowned on Lake Street and beyond.
Mary's time spent caring for Edwin at the end of his life involved long, arduous hours, but she did not utter a word of complaint She loved him completely and without question for more than 50 years.
Her daughter, Pat, was especially lucky to have her as a mother and friend. Mary allowed Pat to grow up believing she was a special child with special gifts. The gifts of love, confidence and compassion are the finest a mother could bestow.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Patricia Fobare Erickson; her son-in-law Jon Edwin Erickson; two grandsons, Louis Fobare Erickson and Jon Edwin Erickson, all of whom she loved exceptionally; a sister-in-law, Jacqueline Fobare, who was also very special to Mary, as they spent many happy years together; two sisters: Josephine Leffler of Columbus, Ohio and Dorothy Flewelling of Poughkeepsie, who both remained close to Mary throughout the years), and a brother, Chubby Sanfiovanni, of New York.
Mary was predeceased by her husband and best friend in 1997; her father-in-law, Louis Fobare, who was an important part of her life in Saranac Lake, in 1977. Both men were kind and gifted gentlemen; and four brothers: Pat, Jim, Dom, and Savy Sangiovanni.
Mary's friends Eleanor and Francis Blum and Betty Isle deserve special recognition for standing the test of time and providing unconditional love and friendship. At the time of her death, Mary's angel at Uihlein Mercy Center was by her side — Maria DeVito, thank you for everything The family is very grateful for Maria and appreciate her kindness and compassion with Mary in these most difficult years.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m today at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. At 7 p.m., a prayer service will be led by Deacon Gerry Cheney at the request of the family. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 1 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Saranac Lake, with the Rev Thomas Kornmeyer officiating. Mary will be interred in St. Bernard's cemetery with her husband.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Bate Liberated Coalition, a humanitarian organization working to enrich the lives of the less fortunate through medicine, housing, sport and education This organization is a living gift that Mary and Edwin have encouraged to fruition through their compassionate life-long education of their daughter.
