Mary Jane Gabrys

Mary Jane Gabrys of Franklin, died at 9:50 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at The Caring Place in Franklin. Born April 16, 1928 in Oil City, Mrs. Gabrys was the daughter of the late Vincent V. and Mary C. Malek Wnuk. She graduated from Oil City High School in 1946 and attended Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, and studied at Behrend Campus of Penn State University in Erie. She was employed by the News Herald in Franklin for 24 years where she served as the Society Editor and also wrote a weekly column on antiques and collectables. She retired in 1989. Mrs. Gabrys was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and the Altar Rosary Society of the Church. She was active in community events and was a charter member of the League of Women Voters, and served on the boards of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the Venango County Historical Society, and the Historic Franklin Preservation Association. She was also a member of the Wednesday Club and the Venango County Republican Women's Club. Mrs. Gabrys was listed in Who's Who of American Women and the Bicentennial Edition of the American Catholic Who's Who. She had an avid interest in antiques and had written articles for several publications. An alumnus of Assumption B.V.M. School in Oil City, she initiated plans for the first and only reunion held for all who attended the school until its closing. In 1976 she was selected for inclusion into the Library of Human Resources of the American-Bicentennial Research Institute in recognition for professional and civic attainment within the community. She was married to Edward W. Gabrys on July 29, 1950 in the Assumption B.V.M. Church in Oil City, and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2007. Mrs. Gabrys is survived by her son, E. William Gabrys II and his wife, Marilyn, of Franklin, and her daughter, M. Rebecca Badgett and her husband, Dr. John L. Badgett, of Slippery Rock. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren: Edward V. Gabrys of Buffalo, NY, Emily E. Kern and her husband, Jeff of Erie, William P. Gabrys and Julia F. Gabrys, both of Franklin, and Jennifer R. Badgett and Jesse W. Badgett, both of Slippery Rock. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Gabrys was preceded in death by her brother, Vincent J. Wnuk. The family will receive friends at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 from 3-5 and 7-9 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at St. Patrick Church with Monsignor John Herbein presiding. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to The Caring Place, c/o Christian Loving Fund, PO Box 1055, Franklin, PA 16323-1055 and/or The St. Patrick Food Pantry, 949 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323.