NORWICH – Pearl M. Hitchcock, 90, a lifelong resident of Norwich, went to be with her Lord on October 16, 2015 at the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of Norwich.
Pearl was born on December 1, 1924 in Elmira, NY and was the daughter of Clyde and Iva Park. She grew up in Norwich and graduated from the Norwich High School with the class of 1943. Following her graduation she attended and graduated from the Baptist Bible Seminary of Johnson City, NY in 1946.
On January 29, 1949 she married George E. Hitchcock at the home of her parents in Norwich.
Pearl had worked for the Norwich Knitting Mill for 10 years and then enjoyed being a stay at home mom. When she returned to the workforce she became a book binder for the Norwich City Schools. Many in this area can also say that their Bibles and books were personally mended by her expert care.
Pearl was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich and taught Sunday School for many years. Throughout the years she has touched many lives. She was an encouragement and friend to all she met and was well spoken of by them.
Pearl is survived by her husband George of Norwich, her daughter and son-in-law Thuvia H. Stopford and husband Rev. Jeremy Stopford of Earlville, her son Edwin G. Hitchcock of Norwich, her sister-in-law Rosalyn Beltz and foster grandchildren Michael Miner, Misty, Heather and Billiejo Carrier. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
Pearl was predeceased by her parents, her sister Ellen Fink, her daughters Judith A. Fisher and Penny Hitchcock, her foster son Lewis Carrier and her grandchildren Tonya R. Stopford and Thomas Fisher.
A funeral service for Pearl will be held on Tuesday, October 20, at 6 pm from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. Pastor Elijah Beltz, Pearl’s great nephew, of the Skyline Baptist Church of Rome, NY will officiate. Interment will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4-6 pm.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Tonya R. Stopford Scholarship, C/O VHCA, 75 Calvary Drive, Norwich, NY 13815.