WATERTOWN, NY — Jane Pauline Furgal, 96, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at her home of 58 years in Watertown.
Born Sept. 27, 1923, in Utica, NY, a daughter of John and Barbara Sloviak Wszalek, she attended St. Stanislaus Catholic School, and graduated from Proctor High School in Utica where she was a girl scout and in a polka dance group.
She helped her parents with their business Liberty Dairy on Nichols St. Jane received her bachelor’s of science degree from Skidmore College where she was in the Cadet Nurse Corps. Afterwards, she attended Syracuse University. After graduating, Jane became a public health nurse for the Utica Health Department.
On Aug. 29, 1948, Jane married Walter Furgal at St. Stanislaus Church in Utica, NY with Reverend F. Holocinski officiating. Mr. Furgal died Feb. 27, 2000.
After her husband was discharged from the United States Navy, the couple moved to Pittsburg, PA, where Walter attended the Horological Institute and she was a visiting nurse. After moving to Watertown, the couple purchased Gary’s Jewelers, and later Ray’s Jewelers. Jane was a co-owner, working in sales, purchasing, accounting and ear piercing.
Jane received a pioneering heart valvuloplasty performed by Dr. Dwight Harken in Boston in 1958 which served her well.
She was also a nurse at the House of the Good Samaritan. Jane cared for people in a professional nursing capacity as well as for her family members and friends.
Jane was a communicant of Holy Family Church.
She enjoyed gardening, traveling, boating on the St. Lawrence River with family and friends, cooking, reading, walking, and swim aerobics at the “Y”. Jane was a Cub Scout Leader, and a Girl Scout Leader.
Jane belonged to the Alumni Association of Skidmore College and was a member of Genetaska (Kiwanas’ Women’s Auxiliary).
Jane was a devoted, giving and selfless wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, often putting others needs before her own. She had a kind, gentle, genuine, and compassionate nature, and a genteel manner.
Surviving are her devoted daughter, Melanie J. Furgal Iacovino, and caring son-in-law Michael, Saratoga Springs, NY; and her helpful son, James W.(Gail) Furgal, NY,NY; two grandchildren and four great grandchildren, David (wife Jillian) Furgal and their son Maxwell Baer and daughter Sadie Aden, Brooklyn, NY, and Scott (wifeTylia) Furgal and their daughter Cara Grace and son Owen Swede, NY, NY. A thoughtful cousin Debbie Champi of Garrison NY, and nephews including Thomas Wszalek, Utica, NY, and Michael Brockner, Providence, RI, a niece, nephew and cousins also survive her.
Two beloved brothers, Edward Sholek and Ferdinand “Bill” Wszalek and a dear sister, Amelia “Mell” Wszalek all died before her.
The family would like to thank Jane’s wonderful caregivers, especially Gina for her exceptional care, dedication and expertise. Also thank you to friends Bonnie and John, Jeanne, and neighbor Bruce B.
Mrs Furgal. requested that her body be donated to Upstate Medical Center for scientific research.
For everyone’s safety, calling hours will be not be held due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Her family has chosen to remember her with a funeral Mass to be held 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7. at Holy Family Church.
A memorial service and internment will be at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Whitesboro, NY, in 2021.
Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 2 South Clinton Square, Suite305, Syracuse, NY 13202, Attn. Watertown Heart Walk, or Holy Family Church, 129 Winthrop Street, Watertown, NY 13601.
Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc.
Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com