NORWICH – Mary Newcomb, 92, life-long Norwich resident, passed away early Thursday morning, Dec. 30, 2010, in the Wilson Memorial Hospital of Johnson City.
Born to Harold and Louise Tuttle Keeler on Feb. 12, 1918, Mary grew up in Norwich and was a 1936 graduate of the Norwich High School. She married Clarence H. Newcomb, the son of Charles and Rose Newcomb, in Norwich on June 16, 1940. They had been married for 46 years when he predeceased her on Nov. 20, 1986.
Mary is survived by her daughters: Sandra Dale and husband Daniel of Lincoln, Del., and Mary Elizabeth Smigel of Binghamton; by grandchildren Willis Dale and wife Sandy, and Deanne Rogers and fiance Rich Ely; and by great grandchildren Daniel Dale II and Alex Rogers. Also surviving are step-great grandchildren Tyler Morris and Colby Mross; her sister, Jean Figary and husband Max of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. In addition to her husband Clarence, Mary was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Louise; her infant son, Lawrence Newcomb; her sisters, Eleanor Johnson and Irma Keeler; and her brother, Harold Keeler, Jr.
In her younger days, Mary was a first class girl scout and later was a girl scout leader for many years. She worked for 20 years for the Chenango County Dept. of Social Services, first in their offices in the Masonic Building and later in the newly constructed county office building. A member of the United Church of Christ for 78 years, Mary was very dedicated in serving there, both as a Sunday School teacher and a teacher in the Vacation Bible School. She served on the Board of Deacons and was a member of the Wider Missions Committee. She belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star where, in 1953, she served as Matron while husband Clarence served as Patron. Mary was also an avid bowler in her early years.
Funeral services for Mary will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday from the United Church of Christ. The Rev. Joe Connolly, pastor and teacher, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mary’s family will meet and greet friends immediately following the service at 2 p.m.
Contributions in Mary’s memory may be sent to the United Church of Christ, 11 West Main St., Norwich, NY 13815; or to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.