Mary Beth Hersh

Dolgeville, New York-Mary Beth Hersh, age 73, of South Helmer Ave., passed away peacefully on Friday evening, September 23, 2022 at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Mary was born in Elmira, NY on March 26, 1949, daughter of the late Frank and Helen (Nitsche) Banks.  She attended Notre Dame High School in Elmira, NY, then went on to attend Corning Community College and became a Registered Nurse.  Mary entered into marriage in 1974 with the late Dr. Leonard R. Hersh.  They enjoyed raising a loving family and spent many memorable days at Seneca Lake and in the Adirondack Mountains.  Family was always her priority and she had a level of devotion that was heartwarming.

Mary served the community of Elmira working at St. Joseph’s Hospital Burn Unit.  In 1988, Mary moved to Little Falls and began serving a new community working at Little Falls Hospital and then Herkimer County Public Health.  In 1993, Mary transitioned out of healthcare to embrace her entrepreneurial spirit.  She opened Windham Winds which specialized in unique sterling silver jewelry from Thailand and Indonesia. She was of the Catholic Faith.  

She is survived by her children, David Hersh, and son Taylor, of Elmira; Leonard (Abe) and Michele Hersh, and son Hudson, of Dolgeville; a sister and her husband, Nancy and Tom Santobianco of Watkins Glen; brothers, Mark Banks and Bill Banks, both of Elimra; her nieces and nephews; Jason (Amy) Santobianco, Christina (Matt) Sowers, Brandon (Caitlin) Banks, Jessica (Brandon) Karius, Jennifer (Ryan) Burrell and James Banks; great nieces and nephews; Molly Santobianco, Patrick Sowers, Madelynne Banks, Elizabeth Sowers, Natalie Banks, Brezden Burrell, Katherine Sowers, Eli Banks, Briar Karius, Lincoln Santobianco, Kenzie Karius and Brynnley Burrell; as well as many other extended family members whom she loved very much.  She was predeceased by her parents, her Uncle James Banks, her sister-in-law, Mary Hughes; and many beloved canine companions.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 5-7 pm at Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5 (corner of Bidleman Road), Little Falls, 315-508-5131, followed by a service at 7 pm with the Rev. Brian Slezak of the Holy Family Parish, officiating.  Burial will be private.  Kindly consider and send memorial contributions to St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Disadvantaged Resident Fund, 7 Timmerman Ave., St. Johnsville, NY 13452.

The family would like to thank Herkimer Bassett Oncology for providing us the time to say goodbye; St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for dignified and compassionate care; Dr. Larry Melo and staff; and Stefania Caracane and Lecia Knapp of Persnickety Pixie Cleaning.