Lillian Jane Gaherty

Mrs. Lillian Jane Gaherty, age 92, of Mohawk, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, Jan. 27, 2022 at Valley Health Services, Herkimer.
She was born on June 1, 1929, daughter of the late Clifford and Alice (Bacher) Barger and educated in Ilion schools, graduating with the Ilion High School, "Class of 1946". She was joined in marriage with John "Bud" Gaherty on Oct. 29, 1949 in Mohawk; a blessed union of 58 years until the passing of Mr. Gaherty on Oct. 22, 2007. Lillian was last employed with Utica College and was also the historian for the village of Mohawk for over 50 years.
Lillian loved to collect salt dips. She also was very interested in the history of the Mohawk Valley and loved to share her local wealth of knowledge with all. Lillian was a avid NY Yankees fan and was a founding member of the Mohawk Fire Department Auxilliary, where she was involved for over 50 years.
Survivors include her sister, Susan Barger and Bill Nichols of Ilion; her daughters, Jayne LeClair and husband Tommy of Mohawk, Barbara Korce and husband Thomas of Mohawk and Sally Gaherty and Jerry Thomas of Mohawk; son, Dan Gaherty and wife Dixi of Orlando, FL; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband John; a son, Jackie Gaherty; a brother, Cliff and by many aunts and uncles.
A celebration of life will take place at the Mohawk American Legion at a time to be announced in the spring of 2022. There are no calling hours. Kindly consider and send contributions in her name to Herkimer County Historical Society or to the future Mohawk History Center. The Gaherty family would like to offer their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Valley Health Services, Herkimer, for their kindness and compassion.