Mary Margaret (Telfer) Surowka

Mary Margaret (Telfer) Surowka, 81, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on May 5, 2022. God answered her prayer to come home to Him and our Dad on what would have been their 61st wedding anniversary. Mary is predeceased by her husband, Stanley C. Surowka; parents, Walter J. and Isabella (Agnes) Telfer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Dolores Hardin and Walter P. and Myrtle Telfer and her very special lifelong friend, Leila Choberka. She is survived by her children, Timothy Surowka, Thomas and Kathleen Surowka and Deborah Hart; grandson Alex, who was her pride and joy; brother and sister-in-law, Fran and Chris Telfer; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She had a special place in her heart for her closest lifelong friends, Annette Slocum, Elaine Colangelo, Joanne Coyle, Maryle Carns and Patti Pratt, and cherished the many memories they shared. Later in life, Mary formed a special bond with Richard C. Gulbin and his beautiful family. She was blessed to have found love and companionship with Rich and was so warmly embraced by his family.
Mary was born and raised in Binghamton, NY and attended St. Paul’s School from K-12. Mary was a dedicated employee during her various careers, NY Telephone Company, Empire Cable, Farm Credit Land Bank and First Deputy Broome County Clerk.  From 1985-1991 her and “The Girls” formed, owned and managed the AMME Fashion Loft.  She had the biggest heart and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, and was fortunate to have many family and friends that adored her. 

Mary loved to entertain and welcomed everyone to her table, the more the merrier. She was Irish to the core, but everyone especially enjoyed her kolachkes, halupki and city chicken. Mary's special baking/cooking classes held at her home were highly sought after.  She also enjoyed dancing, shopping with her girlfriends, playing bunko, traveling, especially spending time in Florida and vacations with her family, and every now and then, playing slots at the casino. In recent years, she particularly enjoyed summers working at Rich and his family’s establishment, The Boathouse Restaurant on DeRuyter Lake. She volunteered her time to many organizations, including Ladies of Charity, Nearly New Shop, St. Paul’s Food Pantry, and the LAOH, as a longtime member.  The family would like to thank all our family and friends for their amazing outpouring of love and support throughout her life, but especially the last few months. The family would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to Lourdes Hospital Seton 3 for their extraordinary compassionate care during this most difficult time. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 4pm to 7pm at the THOMAS J. SHEA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 137 Robinson St. Binghamton, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday at 9:30am at St. Paul's Church in Binghamton. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Church, Alzheimer’s Assoc. or the American Cancer Society in Mary’s memory.

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