NORWICH – Marian L. Greeley, 81, of Norwich, passed away Monday, March 16, 2009 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital where she has resided for the last three years.
She was born on July 30, 1927 in Norwich, the daughter of Arnold and Edna (Figary) Gibbon. She spent her entire life in the Norwich area, graduating from Norwich High School with the Class of 1945.
On July 19, 1946, in Norwich, she married John P. Greeley Sr., who survives. In the early years she was a stay-at-home mom who devoted herself to the care and well-being of her family. In later years she enjoyed working at Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals.
In addition to her husband of 62 years, Marian is survived by her children, Linda Natoli and her husband Richard (Dick) of Norwich, John Greeley Jr. and his wife Betsy of Norwich, Timothy Greeley and his wife Patty of Lockport, Peter Greeley and Nancy Fuller of Unadilla and Phillip Greeley and Patty Enslow of Norwich; six grandchildren: Nicholas and Vincent Natoli and Christopher Greeley, all of Norwich, Tracy Greeley of New York City, Cameron and Michael Greeley of Lockport.
She is also survived by one sister, Leah Thompson of Norwich and an uncle, Adelbert (Ike) Jones of South New Berlin and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Marian was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Chauncey and Arnold Gibbon; a sister, Alma Smith; and her granddaughter, Mary Greeley Michaels.
Marian was a loving and devoted wife and mother and she was proud of her children and grandchildren. She loved to cook and was counted on to bring the “favorites” to any family gathering. She loved her collection of bright red cardinals and when her health allowed, she enjoyed making latch hook rugs to give as gifts.
Over the years, one of her favorite pastimes was reading. Two of her great joys were spending time at the Polkville Ponderosa Club and frequent summer vacations in the State of Maine.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Henry Cook and the entire staff at Chenango Memorial Hospital, who had become Marian’s extended family.
Funeral services for Marian will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich. Rev. Douglas Cunningham, pastor of St. Bartholomew’s Church, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marian’s memory to your favorite charity.