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Polly Bell Hoag
NORWICH — Polly Bell Hoag, 78, of Hayes Street, Norwich, a longtime Norwich resident, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, morning, Aug. 21, 2002, in the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital of Cooperstown.
Born in Norwich on Jan. 15, 1924, Polly was the daughter of Sydney K. Johnson, former city engineer for the city of Norwich, and his wife, Dorothy Bell Johnson.
As a descendent of Oscar Bell, she was one of the last survivors of the founding families of the Norwich Pharmacal Co.
She received her education in the Norwich schools, graduating with the Class of 1941, and then attended Syracuse University. She later attended Utica School of Commerce.
In 1947, in Norwich, Polly married Norman F. Hoag. She and Norman lived in Unadilla for 35 years, raising their family there. When Norm passed away on Sept. 8, 1971, Polly continued to live in Unadilla, moving back to Norwich in the 1980s, after the last of her children had graduated college.
Polly was truly a free spirit who would talk to anyone and believed there was goodness in everyone.
An unpretentious person who liked her name because it was simple, she never said "hello" when she answered the phone. She always asked, "how are you?," and meant it.
She practiced random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty, and believed firmly in world peace. Polly also believed in community service, a trait that she passed on to each of her children.
For a number of years, she was a volunteer at the Pink Door for Chenango Memorial Hospital. She spent many hours working at The Place, and any other charity that needed her.
She loved to travel, and to take historical walks with Don Windsor. She was a 50-year member of the Unadilla Women's Club. A good bridge player who belonged to the local bridge club, Polly also belonged to the Green Party and was a Democrat.
Polly was an avid learner who continued to audit classes at SUNY Morrisville and to take interesting classes at BOCES. She was proud of having attended Syracuse University, and of the fact that all of her four children had four-year college degrees.
Polly was an animal lover who could be seen daily walking with her miniature schnauzer, Alf, and who also shared her home with Kit, the flame-point Siamese.
Polly is survived by her children, Susan M. Walton and her husband, Scott, of Evanston, Ill., Holly A. Hoag of Seattle, Wash., and David S. Hoag and his wife, Karen, of Colleyville, Texas; and her grandchildren, Dustin and Kaitlin Hoag of Colleyville, Texas. She is also survived by her dog, Alf; her cat, Kit; her "adopted family," the Clarks of Hayes Street; her many Hayes Street friends; and by many loving friends throughout the area.
Besides her loving husband, Norm, Polly was predeceased by her son, Steven Hoag in 1987; by her brother, Sydney Kent Johnson Jr.; by her sister, Pat Clawson; and by her four-footed companions, Moose "Chuckie," her longtime walking buddy, Daisy, and "grand-dog," Von.
In lieu of funeral services, a going away party for Polly will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, at Grove Park.
At Polly's request, everyone should "bring a road map to help me find my way to heaven," and a pie tin or drum to bang to "make a loud racket to scare away the devil."
"But the point is," as Polly would say, "for heaven's sake, whatever you do, have fun!"
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested gifts of remembrance to one of the following: Butternut Monthly Meeting Religious Society of Friends, 15 Rutherford Place, New York, NY 10003; Guernsey Memorial Library, 5 Court St., Norwich, NY 13815; Planned Parenthood of Broome & Chenango, 157 E. Main St., Norwich; or Morrisville College Foundation Fund, Chenango Community Scholarship Fund, 16 South Broad St., Norwich.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home of Norwich.
Colleen S. Jenkins
MARGARETVILLE — Colleen S. Jenkins, 41, of Margaretville, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany.
She was born Oct. 9, 1960, in Queens, the daughter of Winston and Pia Reynaldis Bailey.
She married Ronald Jenkins on Sept. 8, 1990, in Margaretville.
She was a loving wife and mother.
She was an honor student at the State University College at Oneonta and the State University College of Technology at Delhi, majoring in accounting and teaching.
She was a Margaretville resident since 1990. She was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness in Arkville.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Jenkins; three daughters, Angelica, Aja and Tina; her mother and father, Winston and Pia Bailey; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Deidy Bailey; sister, Karen Bailey; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness in Arkville.
Committal services will be private. There will be no calling hours.
Following the service the family is inviting those attending to join them at the Bailey residence on Depot Street in Fleischmanns.
Arrangements are by the Hynes Funeral Home of Margaretville.
George Bals
HOBART — George Bals, a resident of Narrow Notch Road, Hobart, N.Y., for the past six years, died Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002, at Robinson Terrace, Stamford, N.Y.
He was born Sept. 28, 1924, in Mount Kisco, N.Y., the son of Peter and Mae Bals.
He married Dawn (Drake) Bals in Bovina Center, N.Y., on Sept. 20, 1986.
She survives, as do sister Jeanette McNamara of Pleasant Valley, N.Y.; his children, George Bals of Fairbanks, Alaska; Ganaan Hillier of Falls River, Mass.; Ardyce Hendersen of Raynham, Mass.; Roderick Bals of Ansonia, Conn.; grandchildren, Tabitha, Jonathan and Justin; and stepson Carl McArthur of Brush Prairie, Wash.
Mr. Bals was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion. He was employed as an electrician for Sidney Appliance in Sidney, N.Y. and retired from Delaware Opportunities but was a familiar face at Delaware Discount Tire in Delhi, N.Y.
Mae Peterson, Robert Bals, Gertrude Lieto and Peter Bals predeceased him.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, Aug. 26, 2002, at Sacred Heart Church, Stamford, N.Y., at 10 a.m. with Father Anthony Ligato, celebrant.
Calling hours will be on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart.
Burial will follow the service at Bovina Cemetery, Bovina Center, N.Y.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care of Delhi or Oneonta, or to Robinson Terrace, Stamford.
Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart.
Robert W. Parsons
WALTON — Robert W. Parsons, a lifelong resident of Walton, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002.
He was born in Walton on Dec. 23, 1932, to Wesley and Grace Terry Parsons.
He married the former Virginia "Ginny" L. Gray on July 20, 1952.
Bob graduated from Walton Central School, where he started his lifelong music career playing the accordion. He enjoyed playing at square dances with his friends.
He operated the former Bob Parsons Sungas Company from 1953 until 1971, when he sold the business to Agway, where he worked as operations manager until 1992. He then worked at the Walton Central School.
Bob was a member of Company 3 of the Walton Fire Department where he was past chief and was honored as Fireman of the Year.
He and Ginny spent their winters in Alamo, Texas, where he was very active in woodworking and organizing community events.
Bob was a devoted and loving father of six children, Jim and Sherry Parsons of Nashville, Tenn., Don Parsons of Binghamton, Diane Delameter and her friend Tom of Binghamton, Jane and Mark Ward of Walton, Susan and Garry Cahill of Walton, and Patty and Eric Groh of Delhi; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Bob was predeceased by his brother, Douglas Parsons; his sister, Marjorie Yarnes; and his granddaughter, Christa Delameter.
Calling hours will be at the Clark & Winter Funeral Service, 25 Townsend St., Walton, Sunday, from 6 to 8 p.m., when the family will be in attendance.
A graveside service will be conducted Monday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m. at the Walton Cemetery with the Rev. Bert More officiating.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Walton Fire Department Ambulance Fund, West Street, Walton, NY 13856 or the Delhi Fire Department Ambulance Fund, Delhi or the Delaware County Fairground's Garden Fund in Bob's memory, c/o Jane Ward, 107 Stockton Ave., Walton, NY 13856.
Following the interment a reception will be held at the Delaware County Fairgrounds 4-H building.
Helen Stamets
OTEGO — Helen Stamets, 51, of Otego died unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at Albany Medical Center.
She was born Sept. 6, 1950, in Oneonta to Howard and Margaret (Stranigan) Crandall.
She married Richard Stamets on June 5, 1977, in Otego.
Mrs. Stamets had been employed at F.N. Burt Co. for the past 10 years and, in her younger years, was employed in several other positions in the Oneonta area, including the Oneonta Nursing Home. She was a lifelong area resident except for several years when she traveled with her husband who was on active duty with the U.S. Air Force. She was a member of the Otego Baptist Church and enjoyed playing bingo.
She is survived by her husband at home; two sons, Richard A. and Michael J., both of Otego; her mother, Margaret Crandall of Otego; two sisters, Linda Perry of Oneonta and Roslin Cotton of Otego; a brother, Howard Crandall of Witchita Falls, Texas; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be a funeral service on Monday, Aug. 26, at noon at the Otego Baptist Church in Otego, with the Rev. Craig Merritt, pastor, officiating.
Burial will follow in the Maryland Cemetery, Maryland.
The family receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. There will also be a reception at the church at 2:30 p.m. on Monday for family and friends.
The family has requested that contributions be made to the Otego Emergency Squad, Otego, NY 13825.
Arrangements are by Lewis-Hurley Funeral Home, Oneonta.
Delores 'Dee' Doane
SIDNEY — Delores "Dee" Doane, 50, of Sidney died unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002, at her home.
She was born July 31, 1952, daughter of Jessie J. and Marian Bunswicz Watson.
Dee is survived by her father, Jessie Watson of Unadilla; two sons, Charles and Peter Doane of Sidney; daughter and fiance, Missy Doane and Jeremy Bennett of Sidney; two brothers, Jessie Watson of Minnesota, Harold Watson of Unadilla; and two sisters, Donna Bonacci of Sidney and Eileen Schinski of New Jersey.
She is predeceased by her mother and sister, Patricia Garrison
Services are private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by C.H. Landers Inc. of Sidney.
Marion B. McMorris
CHITTENANGO — Marion B. McMorris, 86, of Chittenango died Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002, at Stonehedge Nursing Home, Chittenango.
She was born Sept. 17, 1915, in Oneonta, daughter of Reginald and Grace Beach Covell.
Marion was a resident of Oneonta for 79 years before moving to the Fayetttevlle and Chittenango area seven years ago.
She was a homemaker and long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Oneonta.
She is survived by two sons, Richard and Bruce McMorris of Chittenango; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph W. McMorris.
Funeral services will be private with burial in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneonta.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Stonehedge Nursing Home Occupational Therapy Program, 331 Russell St., Chittenango, NY 13037.
Arrangements were handled by the G. F. Zimmer Funeral Home, Chittenango.
Barbara Van Buren
WALTON — Barbara Van Buren, 80, a lifelong resident of Walton, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at Delaware County Countryside Care.
She was predeceased by her husband, Paul, in 1964. Her brother, Alton, and sisters, Dorothy and Esther, also predeceased her.
Barbara trained as a beautician and ran a beauty shop in Sidney until 1943 when she married and joined her husband, Paul, on their dairy farm on Woodlawn Road in Walton. Throughout their career they were known for progressive farming practices. In addition to their dairy herd, at different times, they raised sheep, cauliflower and gladiolas.
In 1965, Barbara moved to North Street and opened her beauty shop, which she operated until 1985.
For many years, Barbara was an active member of the Walton United Presbyterian Church, teaching Sunday school and serving on several committees.
She is survived by her daughter, Jean Van Buren of Rochester; son David Van Buren and daughter-in-law Sandy of New York; son Curtis Van Buren and daughter-in-law Alice of Walton; and grandchildren Thea, Elizabeth, Rilke, Schuyler and Eliel.
She will be remembered as a loving, good-humored, welcoming and gracious parent, grandparent and friend.
There will be a memorial service for Barbara at the United Presbyterian Church in Walton at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
Contributions in her memory may go to the United Presbyterian Church or to the Walton Central School Music Program.
Arrangements are by Lyon Bros.-Way Inc. of Walton.
Edward F. Whalen
MANLIUS — Dr. Edward F. Whalen, 80, of Manlius, and formerly of Cooperstown, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002.
He was born in Syracuse in 1921. He attended St. John the Evangelist until moving to Oneida where he graduated from Oneida High School in 1939. Edward was an Eagle Scout.
He completed his pre-dental and liberal arts studies at the University of Michigan.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946, as a Hospital and Dental Corpsman. Following World War II, he entered the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and was awarded his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1950.
Later that year he started his dental practice in Cooperstown, retiring in 1990, and moving to Manlius. Dr. Whalen was active in organized dentistry, from the local to the national level throughout his career.
He was president of the Tri-County Dental Society and of the Sixth District Dental Society. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the Dental Society of the State of New York and served on various councils and committees, including Publications, Nominations, Annual Sessions, Finance-Budget and Audit and currently was an Ombudsman for the State Society.
He was President of the Dental Society of the State of New York from 1981-1983. Dr. Whalen had been a member of the House of Delegates of the American Dental Association since 1965 and served on House Reference Committees.
He was a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, a member of the Psi Omega Fraternity and the Federation Dentaire Internationale. He was made an Honorary Member of the Fifth District Dental Society in 1991.
He had privileges at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown from 1951 until his retirement. From 1953 to 1974, he was Dental Consultant to the Otsego County Department of Social Services and the New York State Department of Health. He served for 40 years as the consulting Dentist for the Cooperstown Central School System.
He was a member and Past Commander of the American Legion Post in Cooperstown, Past President and former member of the Cooperstown Rotary Club, a charter member of the Cooperstown Lions club, a former member of the PTA Board of Directors and a former member and officer of the Cooperstown Country Club.
He was Chairman of the Committee on Fluoridation which was introduced fluoride into the Cooperstown water supply as a public health measure in 1966.
He was on the Board of Trustees of the Manlius Historical Society and was a member of the Manlius American Legion Post 141. He was a Director of the Manlius Senior Center and was a member of the Cavalry Club. Dr. Whalen was listed in "Who's Who in the East."
He is survived by his wife, Gretchen Van Syckle Whalen, Manlius; one daughter, Mary Sue Arcuri, Rochester; one son, Mark L. Whalen, Baldwinsville; five grandchildren; one brother, Don F. Whalen, Albany; one sister, Justine W. Mulford, Canastota; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the Eaton-Tubbs-Schepp Funeral Home Inc., 7191 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville and at 10 a.m. at Saint Ann's Church, 104 Academy St., Manlius.
Calling hours will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, at the Eaton-Tubbs-Schepp Funeral Home Inc., Fayetteville.
Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown.
Contributions may be made in Dr. Whalen's memory to the charity of one's choice.
