Obituary of June D. Fuhrman
Our mom, June (Roseberry) Fuhrman, 85, went to her home in heaven on May 8, 2023. She was the daughter of Sydney and Catherine (Gantz) Roseberry.
June married Arthur Fuhrman while a teenager; their marriage lasted for 65 years until he passed away. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Mom’s passion was being a homemaker, but she worked part-time as a secretary at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and Rome Community Christian School; and as tour bus escort for Birnie Bus.
Mom was creative and giving. She was a wonderful cook (often taking meals to new parents or grieving families). She sewed many of our clothes. Mom drew funny pictures on the outside of our lunch bags, and put funny notes inside. June was a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader and organized camping trips which our family loved. On Saturday mornings she would make us turn off the TV, go outside and play; she knew when we were sick by just glancing at us. Whenever Mom baked pies, she would keep the extra crust, sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar and make a special treat for us. June loved to clean and her house sparkled; she sang--mostly made up songs--while she worked. She sang even while she was living in the nursing home. How we will miss her songs! Mom was a dog-lover and was happiest when she was with Ginger, Cesar, Lucky, Ruby or Jack. Mom had beautiful penmanship and sent many encouraging cards and letters over the years. Sunflowers were her favorite, and her house was full of them! When a grandchild graduated, she made each a photo collage of their life so far. Dressing nicely and wearing jewelry was important to her. She gave the BEST birthday and Christmas presents; gift bags filled with goodies picked special for the recipient and tied with her signature curlicue ribbons. Everything she did was done with care, effort and a special touch. June loved to read mysteries and the Bible. She journaled for years and wrote out her prayers for many people. When vision loss and Alzheimer’s made it impossible for her to do what she loved, we took her for ice cream and for long drives so she could look at the trees. She truly was a wonderful mother.
June was a member of New Beginnings Community Church in Rome for 40 years; she was a strong Christian and blessed by good friends there.
Mom was the last member of the older generation in our family. She is survived by two daughters, Lisa Panych and Carrie Wayne, her son-in-law, Allen Wayne (who always got her to smile and laugh); grandchildren, Melissa (Sean) Phillips; MaKayla (Cody) Galvin, and Sam Wayne; four great-grandchildren, Addy, Bastion, Kinsley and Riley; and several nieces and nephews. June leaves behind special friends – Carolyn Paine, Karen Kern, Fred and Louise Frenger (whose 40-year friendship she treasured), and childhood friend, Helen Sager Zirkle.
We thank those that helped us care for Mom – Wendy, Rene, and special companion, Angus, who could always calm and cheer up Mom on her worst days. We are appreciative to the staff at Colonial Park Nursing Facility for caring for Mom during the last weeks of her life; in particular, her nurse Stacey.
Calling hours will be at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut St., on Friday, May 19, from 10 to 11 AM, with a funeral service immediately following.
Contributions may be made in June’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. She would love it if you take a sunflower and go visit someone (especially in a nursing home), or if you play with your dog.