Cora J. Maginsky

Born in 1938 of strong stock and rocky soil, Cora J. Maginsky of Sparrowbush, NY was liberated from this earth on June 22, 2024. Cora’s small stature belied her high standards, deep adherence to duty, keen sense of humor, and love for family and wayward animals. Always looking younger than her years, she persevered through life’s challenges, “doing it her way.” Food was Love and friends and family benefitted from her bountiful gardens and magic kitchen from whence came elaborate birthday cakes and Christmas cookies begrudgingly shared upon receipt. Milestones and holidays were recognized by cards signed in her beautiful handwriting. In her youth, she was an Elvis Presley fan and sewed her own Elizabeth Taylor re-creations. She was a ticket taker at the Weller Theatre in Athens, PA and worked at Ingersoll Rand (IR). A working mother, she later retired from her cashiering position at Shop Rite. She reveled in growing flowers, watching wildlife, completing challenging puzzles, making hooked rugs, and taking care of her cats, Pierre, and Romeo. For years, she enjoyed having her hair done by Lynn at Jodi’s Salon Perfect Look Salon and catching up with friends during many a Sparrowbush Fireman’s breakfast. More comfortable giving rather than receiving, she helped many through difficult periods without fanfare and shared news of her offspring’s successes with quiet pride. Cora was born to Carl R. Pelton and Gertrude (Nichols) Pelton in Sayre, NY. Predeceased by her husband, Thomas Maginsky, infant daughter Beth Ann, and daughter Jane (Pantalone) Both, she is survived by her beloved family including daughters; Valerie Maginsky of Port Jervis, Robin Day of New York; her son Keith (Lisa) Maginsky of Ruffsdale, PA; grandchildren; Shawn (Minda) Hawkins, Renee (Kyle) Eberhardt, Ryan Hawkins, Jared, Leah, Jacob, and Philip Pantalone; great-grandchildren; Ethan Brewer, Dylan Eberhardt and Maya Hawkins; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brothers; Carl Pelton of Milan, PA, and Alfred (Rozella) Pelton of Hubert, NC. Practical to the end, per her wishes, her body has been bequeathed to a medical teaching college. Her memory will be honored by a Celebration of Life in late summer, yet to be scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Sparrowbush Fire Department and/or the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark. The family sincerely thanks the staff at Garnet Health Medical Center for their professional and empathetic care.