Mary Ann Kanach

Mary Ann Kanach, age 91 years, formerly of Branchburg, NJ died peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Stonebridge at Montgomery, Skillman, NJ where she has resided since 2004.

A life long Somerset County resident, she was born in Raritan, NJ, May 10, 1922, daughter of the late William and Anna Fatto Krysowaty.

Mary lived, farmed and most importantly raised her family on the River Lea Farm, South Branch Road, Branchburg, NJ along with her late husband Stanley J. Kanach since the 1950’s.

Mary was a graduate of Somerville High School, and worked as Head of Payroll for Johns-Manville, Manville Manufacturing operation. She went on to work for NJ State Senator Freas L. Hess, as his Administrative Assistant.

Mary and Stanley decided to start a family. She became a full time mother and partner with Stanley in their dairy farming operation. Over the years their state of the art dairy operation became a showcase for hosting foreign ambassadors, senators, governors, and other federal and state dignitaries. The farm was known for its meticulous upkeep and was often shown in books and advertising used in promoting NJ Agriculture. It received many awards including the prestigious Dairy of Distinction Award.

Mary was very generous and kind to those in need. She loved to bake and do canning. She will always be remembered for her delicious Apple Pies and Cheese Cakes. She was an avid gardener, loved planting flowers, and growing her own vegetable garden. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her two grandsons.

A lifetime communicant of Mary Mother of God Church in Hillsborough, NJ, she was instrumental in building the new church. She is currently a member of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, Skillman, NJ.

Mrs. Kanach was predeceased by her husband, Stanley J. Kanach in 2004.

Surviving are her loving and cherished family; two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Leacy Kanach, of Glenwood, MD; David and Paula Kanach, of East Amwell Township, NJ; two grandsons, Matthew Kanach of Frederick, MD and Scott Kanach of Minneapolis, MN; and two sisters, Katherine Petryczanko of Youngstown, AZ, and Alice Dickinson, of Hollywood, FL.

Funeral Services will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Somerset Hills Mausoleum, 95 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ followed by entombment. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the Mausoleum Chapel on Tuesday by 10:45 a.m. Calling hours will be Monday, April 21, 2014 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to send condolences.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.