Obituary of Gowena O'Mara

Gowena O'Mara, 87, of Cortland, passed away March 10, 2016 at her home. She was born September 9, 1928 in Cortland the daughter of the late Peter and Enrichetta Petrosi Berardi. Mrs. O'Mara was a lifelong resident of the area graduating from Cortland High School in 1948. She remained active chairing some of her class reunions. She was an active community lobbyist who was instrumental in the creation of Beaudry Park with her good friend Maggie Kabanuk. Gowena had been employed with AT&T for over 40 yrs., in Cortland as an operator and then in Syracuse as a supervisor. She was an active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America receiving volunteer of the year. Mrs. O'Mara was a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony's Church, serving on various committees which included the bereavement council serving as chairperson, Catholic Daughters, Stella D'oro, past president of the Altar Society, Parish Council, Pastoral Council, and the St. Anthony's Day Festival. She is survived by her daughter's Roxanne (Gary) Schreffler,, Cindy (Edward) Ryan, her son Joe (Patty) O'Mara, her eldest grandson Brian O'Mara, along with her eight grandchildren Amanda Yarborough, Brianna Padilla, Marisa Gobel, Kelsey and Alaina Ryan, Allison Hires, James O'Mara, LaThenna Cox, her seven great grandchildren Annabelle and Emelia Yarborough, Abigail, Avery, and Alex O'Mara, Kennedy and Kiera Cox, her sister Christine (Donald) Colongeli of Cortland, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Edward D. O'Mara, her son Daniel E. O'Mara, her daughter Donna O'Mara Hires, and her brothers Louis and Rocci Berardi. Calling hours will be Monday 4-7 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045. The Catholic Daughters will begin calling hours with a prayer service at 4 pm. . A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Gowena's life will be held Tuesday 11 am at St. Anthony's Church, Cortland, with Fr. Joseph Zareski presiding, with burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Cortland. A prayer service will be held 10:15 am prior to mass at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to either the Cortland YWCA or the Caring Community Hospice of Cortland County. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com