Obituary of Gwynne F. Crosley

Gwynne F. Crosley, 88, of Preswick Glen, New Hartford, NY, died on February 10, 2020, following a brief illness. She was born September 30, 1931, in Cortland, NY, the daughter of Alphonse E. Fontheim and Dores Howard Fontheim. Her early childhood was spent in Manhattan where she graduated from Hunter College Elementary School. Moving to Cortland in 1943, she entered Cortland Jr-Sr High School where she graduated in 1949. On November 19, 1950, she married Franklyn Ayers Crosley who predeceased her on March 15, 1975. In 1953 she was a cum laude graduate of SUNY Cortland. She taught for 33 years in the Cortland City School District. She retired in 1990 from F.S. Barry School where she taught 6th grade. Gwynne was a lifetime Episcopalian and a member of Grace Episcopal Church since 1943. She was a former Sunday school teacher, former choir member, vestry person, head usher, Altar Guild member and past directress. She was also a volunteer for the first ten years of Loaves and Fishes. Gwynne was active in the American Heart Association for many years, serving as president of the Cortland County Chapter for seven years. She was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 1989. She was a member of the Board of Managers of the Elizabeth Brewster House for 27 years and served as president for six years. She was also a long time member and past president of the Leisure Hour Club of Homer, a member of the Twentieth Century Club of Cortland, and was a lifetime member of the SPCA. In later years, Gwynne was a member of the Cortland Area Retired Teachers' Association, and the NYS Retired Teachers. She was also named an honorary lifetime member of the Barry School PTA. In 1996, she was honored as an Outstanding Alumna of Cortland Jr.-Sr. High School. Gwynne is survived by her two sons, Roger F. Crosley of Clinton, NY, and Kevin R. Crosley (Leslie) of Clinton, NY; grandchildren, Kyle F. Crosley (Cally) of Rochester, NY, Rachel A. Crosley of Phoenix, AZ, and Avery K. Crosley of Clinton, NY; a sister, Nadenia F. Butko of Macungie, PA; two nieces Pamela Smith of Sterling, VA, and Donna Hogrebe of Clinton, NJ; and multiple nieces and nephews on her husband's side of the family. She was also predeceased by an older brother, Roger H. Fontheim who died during childhood. Friends may call on Saturday, February 15 from 10:00-11:00 at Grace and Holy Spirit Church in Cortland. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 with the Reverend Peter Williams officiating. Following the service, the family welcomes friends at a luncheon reception in the parish hall. Funeral arrangements are being provided by Wright-Beard Funeral Home. A private burial service will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Homer, NY. The family requests that in lieu of flowers anyone wishing to give a memorial in Gwynne's honor may do so to the Grace and Holy Spirit Church Memorial Fund, 13 Court St., P.O. Box 170, Cortland, NY, 13045 To offer online condolences please visit www.wright-beard.com