Obituary of Esther Mary Forbes Twentyman

On Monday, August 27, 2018, Esther Mary Forbes Twentyman, a resident of Kendal at Ithaca, died at the age of 94. She was born on May 16, 1924 in Cortland, NY, the daughter of the late Wilbur Jameson Forbes and Myrta Dockham Forbes. Raised on her parents' dairy farm in Homer with her four younger sisters, she learned lifelong skills and was a natural teacher and mentor to many. Her education began in a one-room school house, and continued at Homer schools, and Cornell University. In 1943 she married Gerald Twentyman and they raised four children while operating a successful dairy farm in Little York. Esther and Gerald enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Throughout her life Esther had boundless energy and served her family and community with confidence and passion. She was a leader and took on many roles in local and state government, church, and community affairs including SUNY Cortland Council, Cornell University Council, Cortland County Cornell Club, Cortland County Council on the Arts, J. M. Murray Center, Homer Congregational Women's Fellowship, Cortland Memorial Foundation, Phillips Free Library, Farm Bureau, Grange, 4-H, Cornell Home Economics Advisory Committee, Homer Garden Club, Zonta International, League of Women Voters, Cortland County Legislature, Aide to New York State Assemblyman, and a three-time Delegate to Republican National Convention. She helped to expand opportunities for women and was extremely proud to be the first woman appointed to the First National Bank of Cortland Board of Directors in 1976. In 1973 she was chosen New York State Mother of the Year, an honor that was one of her most treasured. The highlight of her professional life was working at the New York State Fair Art and Home Center from 1959-75, being appointed director from 1971-75. A book by Lila Perl titled America Goes to the Fair, was dedicated to Esther. In her retirement years she remained active and vibrant, with travel to Asia, South and Central America. She loved time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, her years of quilting retreats, and creating fabulous dinners for family and friends. In 2017 Esther and Carl Potter celebrated 23 years of marriage. Esther was preceded in death by her first husband Gerald L. Twentyman; two of their infant children, Kay Ellen, and Jay; and her second husband Dr. Carleton W. Potter. Esther is survived by her children Jim, Lee, and Mark Twentyman (Linda Vault-Smith), and Jane MacDonald (Scott); grandchildren Michael (Becky) and Oliver Twentyman, Kate Dagianis (Matthew), Alice MacDonald; great-grandchildren Athena and Kallista Dagianis, William and Theo Twentyman; sisters Ruthie Stanley, Ellie Andrews, Marge Wright (Wes), Dorie Bechtel; sister-in-law Marilyn Stoker; former daughter-in-law Sylvia Twentyman; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, September 14, 2018 at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland, NY. Online condolences can be offered at www.wright-beard.com. A Memorial Service to celebrate the life and legacy of Esther Mary Forbes Twentyman will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2018, at the Homer Congregational Church with Rev. Vicki Burtson officiating. A reception will follow in the adjoining fellowship room. Memorial contributions may be made to: Homer Congregational Church, 28 S. Main St Homer, NY 13077; Phillips Free Library, 37 S. Main St, Homer, NY 13077; or, the Esther Twentyman Scholarship Fund, Cornell University, 130 E. Seneca St. Suite 400, Ithaca, NY 14850, Attn: Maryann Bell, memo: Esther Twentyman fund #044724.