NORWICH – Well, here I go again! My letters to the editor over the years, usually reflecting my Democratic leanings, were not always popular but were always sincere and heartfelt. I was always elated by the compliments, and that inspired more. This letter, however, is my last. The best part is that there’s no political statement, no position on the Iraq Conflict, no comments about local government, or loose dogs on the street. My worldly concerns are now of little interest. While enjoying a bus trip to Miami, I was suddenly scooped up into the arms of our Lord on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, where I have joined many of my brothers and sisters who have passed on before me.
Let me tell you a bit about my life. I started my 85 years in Pharsalia, on March 20, 1921 daughter of the late Lucy (Burgess) and Leon Franklin. I attended Preston area schools and spent my adult life in Norwich employed at The Norwich Knitting Mill, Norwich Shoe Company, M. H. Fishman and eventually retired from Champion Products. On Nov. 12, 1938, I married the late Wesley R. Law. My favorite pastimes were dancing, gardening, playing cards, taking cruise vacations, bowling, playing slot machines and especially being involved with my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchild.
I was involved in the community working as an elections inspector, gate attendant at the Chenango County Fair, Crossing Guard, School Cafeteria Monitor, Auxiliary member of the American Legion, past member of the Broken Squares square dance club, Habitat for Humanity carnation sale and volunteer for the soup and sandwich program at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, where I was an active member.
Surviving are my daughters Betty M. and husband Delmar Law, Jr. of Sherburne and Janet R. Byrne of Norwich, sisters Edna Jaquay and Christina Franklin of Norwich and a brother, Elbridge (Shorty) and Janet Franklin, and sister-in-law, Frances Franklin, also of Norwich; six grandchildren, Lana Byrne and Jim Deuel, Oxford, Colleen (Michael) Law-Tefft, Sherburne, Brian (Kathy) Law, Fort Lewis, Wash., L. Lee Byrne, North Norwich, Marni (Kip) Manwarren, Sherburne and Marleen (Kari) Cortez, Johnson City; 8 great grandchildren Heath and Ryanne Shepard, Nathan and Lindsay Manwarren, Jessica and Zachery Law, Alexander Tefft, Rene’ Cortez and 1 great-great granddaughter, RyLee Shepard, several nieces and nephews and very good friends, Gert West and family, Mary Burlingame, and card playing friends, Mary Baldwin and Arden Franklin. I was predeceased by a second husband, Delmar Law Sr., sisters, Viola Franklin, Louise Murphy; and brothers, LeRoy, Cecil, Matthew, Richard, Ray, Clayton and Olin Franklin.
My family has arranged calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich and services on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Broad Street United Methodist Church in Norwich. The Reverend Jeffrey Hale will officiate. There will be a luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall of the church.
I love flowers but prefer that, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Broad Street United Methodist Church or the Norwich American Legion. May God bless and protect you always.
Love, Millie