Emily Ruth (Bokal) Grum

Emily Ruth Bokal Grum, 98, formerly of Forest City and Endwell, NY passed away on October 29. She was predeceased by her husband Louis J. Grum in 1994.

She was born December 28, 1920, in Forest City, PA, daughter of the late Anton and Mary Urbas Bokal. She was an honors graduate of Forest City High School and the youngest student in her class at 16 years old. She was the first employee hired at General Electric Co., in Johnson City, NY in 1949. She was an Executive Secretary to the Manager of Employee and Plant Community Relations at GE until 1955.

She was always optimistic and especially enjoyed the change of seasons.

She is survived by her daughter Dr. Emily Grum-Gryn, and her husband Dr. Jeff Gryn, Moosic, PA.

She was preceded in death by nine siblings, sisters, Anna Bokal, Pauline Bokal, Teresa Ravnikar, Albina Wendorff, and Agnes Vauter; brothers William, Anthony, Frank, and a twin brother Pvt. Edward R. Bokal, who lost his life on the Dorchester along with the Four Chaplains on February 3, 1943.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 10:30 am in St. Joseph's Church, Forest City. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery to follow. Arrangements are through the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main Street, Forest City. Viewing will be at the funeral home from 9:30 until mass time. 

Donations may be made in Emily’s name to Union Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Endicott, Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, Endicott, or to Lend-A-Hand.

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