NORWICH – Ellen Mary Byam, 93, of Norwich, passed away late Tuesday night, June 9, 2009, at her home.
Born in Norwich in September of 1915, and a long-time resident of the White Store area, Ellen was the daughter of Merton J. and Laura McCormick White. She attended and graduated from the South New Berlin schools, then furthered her education in Washington, D.C., by attending secretarial school. On Jan. 20, 1940, Ellen married her childhood sweetheart, Archer Byam, and returned to the Norwich area with him. A kind-hearted woman who loved animals, Ellen was a wonderful mother who put her family first and raised her children right, but also took time to work out of the home. Her first employment was with the Norwich Shoe Company, where she worked until its closing. She then worked at different small jobs, including acting as a companion for Helen Stickles. Ellen was also very proud of being able to trace her lineage to Peregrine White, the first baby born in America, with Ellen representing the 14th generation.
Ellen is survived by her children and their spouses: Marks and Shirley Byam of Middlebury Center, Pa., Elaine Riker of Galaton, Tenn., Lawerence and Janie Byam of Cleveland, Tenn., Alicia and Kenneth Livingston of Norwich, and Althea M. Fountain of Norwich; by 23 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and many great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ellen was predeceased by her husband, Archer, on March 29, 1990; by her son and daughter, Everett and Nadine Byam, and by her sister and brother, Malvina Hyland and Gilbert White.
Funeral services for Ellen will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Dennis McKenna, pastor of the Assembly of God in Norwich, will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery of White Store. There will be no calling hours.