Obituary of Louise E. Wavle

Louise E. Wavle, 87, of Cortland, NY, passed away peacefully March 16, 2012, at Cayuga Ridge in Ithaca surrounded by the love of her family. Louise was born in Tully on October 21, 1924, the daughter of the late Alton Clifford Estey and Edith Hayford Estey. Louise was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She was a sensitive, caring woman who always gave of herself for the benefit of others. Louise was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing and knitting, always working on a project for her children and grandchildren. She had an unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, while showing great strength and courage in her decade-long battle with Alzheimers disease. Louise graduated from Tully Central School. She earned an undergraduate degree in music from Syracuse Universitys College of Fine Arts and a Masters degree in elementary education from SUNY Cortland. Louise loved children and, over the years, taught in elementary schools in Newfield, Marcellus, and Homer. She retired from the Rockwell Elementary School in Nedrow following 20 years of teaching music and choral conducting. Louise was an accomplished pianist and organist. She served as choir director and organist in various churches. She was a 55-year member of the United Presbyterian Church of Cortland, serving many years as Clerk of Session. Louise leaves an enduring legacy of love, faith, and music for family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her sisters Marilyn Estey of Central Islip, NY, and Lola Estey, of Lancaster, CA; daughter Elizabeth (Mary) Wavle-Brown of Elmira; her three sons: John (Jean) III of Pittsburgh, PA, James (Denise) of Cortland and Dana (Sharon) of Floyds Knobs, IN; eleven grandchildren: Jason, Betsy, Gabrielle, Nathan, Daniel, joshua, Natalee, Shane, Carri, Traci, and Kelli; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of fifty years, John Andrew Wavle, Jr., on February 16, 2007, and her daughter-in-law Mary Lynn Wavle. A memorial service celebrating Louises life will be held at the United Presbyterian Church of Cortland, 25 Church St., on Saturday, March 31, at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Doug Hatch officiating. Interment in the Cortland Rural Cemetery will take place at a later time. There are no calling hours. The family wishes to thank and remember the staff of Cayuga Ridge and Clare Bridge Cottage for their compassionate and loving care over the last eight years. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Louises memory are asked to consider Cortland Loaves & Fishes, 13 Court Street, Cortland, NY 13045, or Alzheimers Association Central New York Chapter, 441 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204. So sorry for the loss of your beloved mom. we never met her, but Marilyn was my daughter's violin teacher. we fd out of Miss Estey's death, and both my daughter and I are devastated. We loved her dearly. My daughter owes all of her success in music to her. Please let us know of the details for Miss Estey. She was supposed to come over to my home for Easter. We are extremely saddened. Iris Gaffey