Ann Palmer FORKIN

FORKIN - Ann Palmer passed away peacefully on November 20, 2013 in Moraga, CA. Beloved mother to Antonia Edwardson of Moraga, CA; beloved grandmother to Thomas and William Edwardson; and beloved sister to Kay Palmer Clarke of Atherton, CA. Born on October 3, 1936 in Long Beach, CA. Ann grew up in Patchogue where she had many fond memories. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor of Science and subsequently a Master of Arts in Education from Columbia University. She proudly served her country in the US Navy as a nurse while stationed in Jacksonville Florida. Ann married Thomas Forkin, in 1966 in Patchogue, NY. They were happily married and enjoyed a life living in Paris, France. Following her husband's death, Ann returned to Long Island and made her home in Miller Place, NY. She began what would be a 22 year career with the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Her primary position, Director of Confrences and Special Events, was her most cherished. She loved the variety and the ability to be creative. Upon her retirement, a colleague wrote, "Through your efforts the campus has become more than a collection of buildings and grounds; it has become a University with shared rituals and traditions which give it meaning." Ann was a long-time member of Saint James Parish in Setuaket. In her retirement years, she followed her family to live in Washington, DC, North Dakota, Minnesota, The Netherlands and California. She loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandsons. She also loved to cook and travel. She will be missed for her wisdom, wit, and generous heart. A memorial mass is planned for December 3, 9:30am at Saint James R.C. Catholic Church on Route 25A in Setauket. Committal of ashes ceremony, December 3, 11:30amm Washington Memorial Park, 855 Canal Rd. Mt. Saini. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made t Animal Rescue Inc. (animalrescueinc.org) and/or Autism Speaks(autismspeaks.org).