Phoenicia-
Mary Bosakowski, January 31 1959—May 26, 2023
Mary B died at her Phoenicia home on Friday afternoon, surrounded by friends and under the care of Hudson Valley Hospice. She had been diagnosed with ALS in January, and the disease progressed rapidly. Her caregivers wish to thank Hudson Valley Hospice, RCAL (the Resource Center for Accessible Living), and the ALS Association of Greater NY for providing support, equipment, resources, and compassion.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Mary B attended American University and NYU and pursued a career as a documentary editor, producer, and writer, working at the Lifetime Network and other independent projects. While in NYC she was in Frauhaus, an all-female punk band, was married and divorced, pursued an avid yoga practice, and began studying Tibetan Buddhism with Lama Tarchin. She later became a student at Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper, NY, taking the Buddhist precepts in 2023 and received the dharma name, Juyu, which means “gentle courage.”
Mary began visiting the Catskills in the summers and relocated upstate in 2014. She hosted an hour-long eclectic music show, Philip’s Hat, on WZEN for several years, organized film series for the Greenkill Gallery in Kingston and the Phoenicia Library, served on the board of the Phoenicia Playhouse, and worked at the Phoenicia Library. She organized and played on a local pick-up softball team, the Phoenicia Ticks. As a result of these activities Mary’s circle of friends was a wide one, and she was greatly loved. She was an adventurer, photographer, and videographer, and loved all things outdoors She lived with her cat, Sweet Jane, in Phoenicia.
Mary is survived by her brothers Paul Bosakowski and Jim Bosakowski (Rosy Harris), step-brother John Muñoz, and nieces & nephews Lisa Downey, Jennifer Luther, Jeff Bosakowski, Amy Bergman, Dan Bosakowski, Jolie Bosakowski, and Emily Bosakowski.
She was predeceased by her brother Phil Bosakowski and parents Frank & Emily Bosakowski.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Phoenicia Playhouse, PO Box 473, Phoenicia, NY 12464 or https://phoeniciaplayhouse.com/get-involved-2
A Cremation Ceremony was held on Tuesday morning at 10 am at the Wiltwyck Cemetery, 205 West O'Reilly Street, Kingston NY 12401.
A Celebration of Mary B’s Life will be held at the Phoenicia Playhouse, 10 Church St, Phoenicia, NY 12464, on Sunday, July 23rd at 3 pm. Wear party clothes!
The Celebration of Mary’s life at the Playhouse was recorded:
https://www.facebook.com/mary.bosakowski/videos/1716883798813014?idorvanity=3551567028421352
A funeral service and interment of ashes will be held at Zen Mountain Monastery, 871 Plank Rd, Mt Tremper, NY 12457, on Sunday, August 27th at 2 pm. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes as part of the service will be outdoors.
The indoor part of the funeral, with family and friends offering remembrance of Mary, will be available on zoom starting at 2 pm:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86052417495?pwd=TjYrem1CU1d6aTBTeVVKb2J4WGJ6dz09
You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence on Mary’s Tribute Wall at www.Gormleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mark Wilsey at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main Street Phoenicia
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