Mary A. Belskis

FARMINGTON -- Mary A. Belskis, 90, formerly of Rumford, died at her residence, Orchard Park Living Center, Farmington, on Feb. 1, 2011.

She was born in Riley on May 3, 1920, the daughter of Bennie and Alice (Angelo) Cornelio. She had attended schools in Riley and graduated from Hair Styling School in Boston.

Mary was a beautician for several years, and had worked as a waitress in area restaurants, as a sales clerk at W.T. Grant Company in Rumford and also at Porteous Department Store in Portland until retirement. For many years Mary lived in Peru and ran the Triple “R” Stables and attended many horse shows.

She was a Communicant of St. Athanasius-St. John Church. She enjoyed crocheting many items for family and friends and loved music, and was self taught to play the piano, guitar, organ, mandolin, accordion, harmonica and loved to sing, including some of her own songs she had written.

She also enjoyed playing the piano to entertain others residents wherever she stayed. She was an excellent cook, going to bingo, and spending time with family and friends. She loved her little Dodge Omni which she owned for over 19 years. She was very close to her mother Alice and spent several years in the same nursing home prior to her mother’s death.

Survivors include a daughter, Jean Philbrick and husband, Colin of Dixfield; a son, Bernard T. Belskis and companion, Avis Richard of Mexico; five grandchildren, Scott Belskis and companion, Lynn of Canton, Joe Belskis of Rumford, Deirdra Gallant and companion, Steve Bennett of Dixfield, Colin Philbrick, Jr. and wife, Ellen of Travelers Rest, SC, Brett Philbrick of Wilton; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Brady Philbrick of Wilton, Barry J. and Caitlin Gallant of Dixfield, Zachary Bennett of Dixfield, Christopher and Colin Philbrick III of Travelers Rest, SC, Nicole, Alicia and Adrianna Belskis of Dixfield; a great-great-grandson, Aden Belskis of Auburn; sisters, Millie Belskis of Auburn, Rose Labbe of Farmington, Louise Oakes and husband, Donald of Wilton, Angie Lowe and husband, Donald of Farmington, and Gloria Tardiff and husband, Richard of Jay; brothers, Peter Cornelio of No. Jay, James Cornelio and wife, Paula of Brunswick, John Cornelio and wife, Arlene of Jay, and Thomas Cornelio and companion, Linda Stanhope of Jay; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Louie, sisters-in-law, Mary, Rhea and Patty Cornelio; brothers-in-law, Adam Belskis and Emile Labbe; and her former husband, Bernard Belskis.

The family wishes to thank Beacon Hospice, Dr. Armand Auger and the staff at Orchard Park Living Center for the excellent care Mary received.