Marilyn K. Forness

Marilyn K. Forness

WELLSVILLE - Marilyn K. Forness, 85, of Wellsville, passed away Tuesday (Feb. 18, 2025) in her home, with her family by her side.

She was born Oct. 7, 1939, in Bradford, Pa., the daughter of the late James H. and Katherine T. Pockalny Smith. On Oct. 17, 1959, she married Thomas W. Forness, who predeceased her July 19, 2021.

Marilyn was a 1957 graduate of Portville Central School.

She entered the work force and was employed by Clark Brothers (Dresser-Rand) from 1957 to 1964. In 1964, she and her husband moved to Wellsville, to follow Tom's career in law enforcement. For many years, she was employed by American Greetings & Hallmark, and handled merchandising for Proctor & Gamble and various other companies.

Outside of her employment, she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and Gamma Pi Sororities.

Above all else, she was a mother and housewife; family was her priority all the time, including her beloved dogs, Jeter and Buddy, who have passed, and Sassy J, who survives.

She is survived by a son, Christopher J. (Jamie Smith) Forness of Wellsville; two daughters, Kelly K. Forness of Wellsville and Lisa M. (Daniel Stambaugh) Forness of Whitesville; a daughter-in-law, Kimberly Forness of Ohio; 12 grandchildren, Katelyn (Cory) Waters, Joshua Hanchett, Matthew Forness, Megan (Zach Fernandez) Goodridge, Courtney (C.J. Knight) Ainsworth, Kendra A. Forness, Thomas W. Forness, Grace Forness, Gabrielle (Austin Ritchie) Forness, Serena (Jaxson Warboys) Ainsworth, Brennan Forness and Camron Lyons; nine great-grandchildren, Leah and Carson Waters, Jaxton, Katalinia and Daniel Hanchett, Chase and Marley Knight, Arthur Richie and Azarria Fernandez; a sister-in-law, Sharon Smith of Portville; a special aunt, Estella; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband of 61 years, she was predeceased by a son, Patrick L. Forness; a granddaughter, Jessica A. Hanchett; and a brother, Gerald "G.J." Smith.

Following Marilyn's wishes, a private graveside service is being planned in Woodlawn Cemetery. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

Please consider memorial donations to Allegany County Comfort House, 141 E. State St., Wellsville, NY 14895; or plant a tree in her memory through the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.

To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.