Mary Annie Sorrell, 86, of AuSable Forks, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 6, 2025, as the harvest super moon rose over the Adirondack Mountains. Surrounded by her loving family, Annie's final moments were filled with stories, laughter, and cherished memories.
Born on April 10, 1939, to Marie Cecile Gertrude Allard and Joseph Lucien Gerard Garso, Annie grew up in AuSable Forks and graduated from AuSable Forks High School. She began her career at J & J Rogers Co., where her radiant blue eyes caught the attention of Wilfred "Bill" Sorrell. They married on November 26, 1960, and shared 52 wonderful years together, raising four children and building a legacy of love that includes 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Annie was fluent in French, learning English when she began school at Holy Name. She inherited her mother's talent for sewing and lovingly crafted clothing, quilts, and crocheted blankets for her children and grandchildren. Each new family member was welcomed with a handmade gift, stitched with care and devotion.
A lifelong member of Holy Name Church and the Catholic Daughters of America, Annie's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Her home was always open, her table always full. Saturday night family dinners were legendary-filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of simply being together.
Annie and Bill shared a love of travel that began with their honeymoon road trip to Washington, D.C. They were always ready for an adventure, often packing up the car with the kids and a picnic, letting the road lead them to new memories. For nearly two decades, the family made annual trips south, embracing time together away from the bustle of everyday life.
Annie was a friend to many-always ready for a chat outside church, in a store aisle, or over coffee at home. Her warmth and kindness touched everyone she met, and her absence will be deeply felt.
She is survived by her children: John and Amy Sorrell of Peru; Joni and John Manning, Jr.; Janine Sorrell and Spencer Reynolds; and James G. Sorrell, all of AuSable Forks. Her grandchildren: Christopher and Brooke Sorrell, Stacey Joy, Hannah (Josh) and Emily (Derek) Sorrell, Olivia and Darryl Bushey, Meghan (Austin) Sorrell, Jennifer and Jeremy Clark, Jessica and Paul Ford, Julianna and Tai Alberto, and Jeanna and Mason Utzler. Her great-grandchildren: Jayni Manning, Lauryn, Elle, Dylan and Jocelyn Sorrell, Parker Ford, Lincoln Bushey, Charlie Utzler, Paysen Ford, Joey Clark, and Tully Dube. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and her beloved fur companion, Jeter.
Annie was predeceased by her parents, her husband Wilfred J. Sorrell, Jr., her sisters Lucille Light, Rita Baker, and Theresa McCaffrey, and her great-grandchildren Grayson Wilfred Bushey and Isabella Janine Alberto.
Calling hours will be held at Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home in AuSable Forks on Friday, October 10th, from 4 to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Name Church on Saturday, October 11th at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Holy Name Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Annie's memory may be made to Holy Name Church in AuSable Forks.
Arrangements are entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home.
Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home
Holy Name Church
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