Mary T. George – 61 – of Sawyer Street, Hornell, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon (July 5, 2026) at her home.
Born in Wellsville on April 18, 1965, she was the daughter of James & Ann (Brown) McKinley.
Mary grew up in Wellsville and was a graduate of Wellsville High School (class of 1983). After attending college in Kansas, she later went on to study at Alfred State College where she earned her associates degree in court reporting. Mary completed two account clerk certificates as well as studied accounting.
A resident of the Hornell area for the past 33 years, Mary volunteered her time at the former
St. James Mercy Hospital working in the gift shop and also serving as an office worker. She later volunteered her time at the “new” St. James Hospital gift shop.
Mary was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. A cornerstone of her week was her quiet hour spent in adoration, finding peace and strength in the presence of the Lord. She was the oldest daughter of 10 siblings, and her faith was instilled in her from a young age. Mary was deeply proud of her Irish heritage and was known to polish off a plate of corned beef and cabbage. She was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan (especially during the Super Bowl years) and was an avid reader — especially mystery and crime novels. Mary had a great sense of humor and was arguably Chris Farley’s biggest fan. She could quote ‘Tommy Boy’ line for line and it inspired many belly laughs and tears of laughter from her and her family. She enjoyed watching Grey’s Anatomy and the Sopranos. She was known to love a good cup of coffee, taking walks and her go-to choice of footwear-Crocs. Her favorite time of year was Christmas time, and Christmas music was her favorite as it always made her happy no matter the time of year. She enjoyed making Christmas cookies with a special family recipe that would make a “bushel” of cookies. She always wanted to make sure her family was happy and had made sure they wanted for nothing. She loved the time that she spent caring for her grandchildren and nothing made her happier than to spend time with her family. Mary lived a life of rich simplicity.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James & Ann McKinley; her former husband and friend, Doug George; 2 brothers, Billy McKinley and Pat McKinley.
Surviving are 3 daughters that she will remain forever proud of, Jillian (Doug) Speegle of NV, Megan (Brian) Doty of Hornell and Laura (Eric) Kepner of Hornell; 4 brothers, Dennis McKinley, Mike McKinley, Tim McKinley and Jimmy McKinley; 3 sisters, Maureen Sibble, Margaret Whitehouse and Kate Murphy; 12 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
At Mary’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
