Mary Gorsuch

Born in 1917 and considered part of The Greatest Generation, Mary was a leader in all aspects of her life. She was a pioneering woman in business, a devoted matriarch of her family and a caring advocate and volunteer in the Lancaster and Fairfield County community. Having grown up during the depression, her perseverance was first demonstrated when she graduated from Sulphur Springs High School, followed by Capital University Business College. She met and married Frank L. Gorsuch and moved to Lancaster in 1940. Together, they opened a real estate and insurance office, which her son, Leonard evolved into what is now Gorsuch Enterprises. Mary stayed active in the family business for 60 years, which most recently celebrated both her 100th birthday and 70 years of business. In recognition of her business acumen and leadership, she was awarded the prestigious Athena award.

She was a passionate supporter of many non-profit groups and organizations, including the Lancaster Real Estate Board, Quota International of Lancaster, Harmony Court Order of Amaranth of Canal Winchester, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, American Legion Auxiliary, and TNT Club. She was also a member of Lutheran Church of Our Savior.

Testament to her commitment to the community and her belief in supporting education, she donated land to Lancaster City Schools for the elementary school that now bears her name.

She believed in moderation of all things and in giving back and paying it forward. She was truly a great role model for her family and employees. Her grace, caring and generous spirit forever changed the lives of everyone she touched and her positive impact in the community will be felt for generations to come.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and four siblings, John Kurtz, Paul Kurtz, Ruth Schimpf and Calvin Kurtz.

She is survived by her son, Leonard Gorsuch (Kristin Kilbarger); stepdaughter, Betty Gorsuch; grandchildren, Jennifer Walters (Stephen), Elizabeth Whipple (Andrew), Alison Gorsuch, Kathryn Gorsuch and Mary Francis Gorsuch; and six great grand children, Abigail and Jillian Kemper, Henry and Lucy Walters, and Ella and Lute Farrell.

Funeral service for Mary will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, Lancaster with Reverend Diana K. Gugel officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Robert K. Fox Family Y and FairHoPe Hospice Pickering House.

Funeral Service

Tuesday November 28, 2017 , 10:30 AM at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home

Visitation

Monday November 27, 2017 , 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home