RENA A. LULL
“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun. Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.”
EDMESTON – Rena A. Lull, 94, of Edmeston and most recently of Cooperstown passed peacefully into heaven January 21, 2015 at Focus Nursing home & Rehabilitation of Cooperstown, formerly the Manor of Otsego, with her devoted two daughters by her side.
She was born February 8, 1920 in Olean, NY the daughter of Barber Dean and Anna (Burtch) Allen. She married Howard Jay Lull Jr. August 1, 1944 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Howard predeceased Rena October 23, 2003.
Rena graduated from Bolivar High School in 1938. She received her Bachelors in Teaching from Ithaca College in 1942, where she met her future husband, Howard. After her husband, Howard, finished his tour of duty they later settled in Edmeston in 1947. Rena taught in South New Berlin & New Berlin Central School, retiring from West Winfield School System; Howard retired from Edmeston Central School.
Rena was a member of the United Methodist Church, founding member of the Edmeston Tea Circle, the NYS Teachers Association, and the Wharton Valley American Legion Auxiliary Post #1311.
Rena had many talents that she shared gracefully with her smile and laughter. Her flower beds grew beautifully and those seedlings are now in many garden beds in the area. Her poetry was gentle and moving: “Let us love and be needed and finally go quietly on to face another dawn.” In Rena’s memory, take time to volunteer as she did keeping busy at some simple service.
Her twin daughters Rena Lull of Cooperstown, Rita Lull Clark (Roger) of Lyons; her grandchildren Karen Clark Hart (Brian) of Corning, Elizabeth Clark Buckley (Chris) of Churchville, NY; her great grandchildren Ethan and Audrey Hart of Corning; her sister-in-law Joan Allen; and several nieces and nephews survive Rena.
Besides her husband, Howard, she was predeceased by her sister Beatrice Rose, her brother Edwin & sister-in-law Doris Brown Allen, and brother Robert Allen.
Memorial services will be held on February 21, 2015 at 12:30 PM at the United Methodist of Cooperstown with Pastor Bill Delia officiating.
Burial will be private at Hillington Cemetery.
Rena’s twin daughters would like to give special thanks to Serenity Place for the care they provided to their Mother and to them during her stay there.
Contributions may be made in Rena’s memory to the Edmeston United Methodist Church, the Edmeston Tea Circle, or the Serenity Place Activity Fund at Focus Nursing home & Rehabilitation of Cooperstown.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston. Condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home website at www.hjtfuneralhome.com.