Obituary of Genevieve R. Stafford

Genevieve R. Stafford, 94, of Homer NY, passed away July 23, 2010. She was born February 12, 1916 in Homer NY, the daughter of the late Charles and Ora Litz Rumsey. Mrs. Stafford was raised and educated locally. She graduated from Cortland Normal School in1935 and began her teaching career in one room school houses in Glen Haven and Cold Brook. She then went on to teach for the Homer School District for many years before retiring in 1975. Mrs. Stafford was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Homer where she volunteered her time and cooking abilities. She enjoyed socializing, cooking, and baking, an avid reader and writer, writing her own memoirs, poetry, and Village of Homer history. She will be dearly missed by her numerous friends and family. Her other memberships included serving as Past Matron of the Eastern Star, member of various local bridge clubs and the Leisure Hour Club. She is survived by her daughter Julie (Duane) Miller of Corning NY, sons George Stafford of Albany NY, Wayne (Tracy) Stafford of Homer NY, nephew Raymond Seager of Los Angeles CA who thought of Genevieve as a mother, 6 grandchildren Andrew (Lindsay) and Jonathan (Theresa) Miller, Dana, Cara, Lana, and Erin Stafford, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Dayton Stafford in 2002. A memorial service will be held Wednesday 11 am at the First United Methodist Church of Homer with Rev. Suzanne Block presiding. The family will greet friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service. A graveside service will be held Wednesday 1 pm at the Glenwood Cemetery, Homer NY. The Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc. of Cortland is serving the family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Homer, 16 Cayuga St., Homer NY 13077 or Phillips Free Library, 37 S. Main St., Homer NY 13077. To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com