Obituary of Mavis J. Tornatore

Mavis J. Tornatore (Hovde), 89 of Fairport, NY passed away at Crest Manor Living Center on January 9th, 2021 from complications of COVID-19. Born in Devils Lake, ND, she was the daughter of John and Manda Hovde, and spoke Norwegian, exclusively, until attending grade school. Mavis was raised on her family farm in Esmond, ND and attended a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Minot State University then traveled to France for a teaching job at a US Air Force base in the Alsace region. While there, she met her future husband, Captain Richard L. Tornatore, a dentist supporting American troops. They married in 1957, and raised two children in Canastota, NY with summers spent at their cherished Hatch Lake cottage. Dick and Mavis hosted many happy gatherings there with family and friends. Mavis earned her Masters Degree in Special Education and inspired the love of reading in her students as a talented teacher at Canastota Central School. She contributed to her community as a member of the Garden Club, the Canastota Library Board, the Columbia Club and the Oneida Hospital Board. An enthusiastic world traveler, Mavis and Dick visited all seven continents! Mavis was proud of her Viking heritage and loved to discuss current events over a great meal with those she loved. She is predeceased by Dick, her loving husband of 59 years; brother John Hovde (Sharon); and is survived by son Dr. Mark Tornatore (Eileene) of Honeoye Falls; daughter Beth Wurtmann (Jonathan) of Saratoga Springs; six beloved grandchildren, Kirsten, Matthew and Bryan Tornatore; Jack, Tucker and Peter Wurtmann; and three nephews. There will be a private family graveside interment at St Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota, NY. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date. Donations in Mavis' name can be made to the Canastota Public Library, 102 W. Center St., Canastota, NY 13032 or to the Alzheimer's Association at ACT.alz.org.