In the early morning hours of December 22, 2023, our dear, sweet Maria walked peacefully into the arms of Jesus. Unexpectedly. Asthmatic bronchitis according to the Death Certificate.
Maria Sue was born January 3, 1962 in Norwich, NY, to Sharon Louise Law Townsend and Bruce Eugene Townsend. Maria attended Norwich City Schools graduating in 1980. She was active in her youth at Calvary Baptist Church. She babysat for several area families as well as volunteering as a Candy Striper at Chenango Memorial Hospital. After graduation, Maria promptly found work at the Norwich Shoe Company, then Norwich Togs, and lastly retiring from Acco Brands (“the calendar place”) in Sidney NY after 30+ years of service. It was here that Maria met John Edward Olenych. They were married February 14, 2006. They made their home in Sidney NY.
Maria loved her family and her family loved her. She is dearly missed. Green was her favorite color. She liked any color as long as it was green. Scrapbooking and sewing were her favorite pastimes. Everyone looked forward to receiving her handmade cards for every occasion… especially Christmas! Her animals (dogs and cats) were precious to her. Only one Jack Russell terrier named Nuttah survived her.
Survivors include her husband; her parents of Mission, TX; two sons Brad Ellery Gager of Oxford, NY, and Jonathan Eugene Gager of Sherburne, NY; siblings Donna Jeanne Conant of Norwich, NY, Charles Frederick Townsend of Greene NY, Christopher Alan Townsend of Mission, TX, and Bruce Eugene Townsend Jr. of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren: Hunter Rex Conant, Brenden Carter Gager, Kaylee Rose Gager, Bella Raylinn Gager, Shelby Williams, Jonathan Eugene Gager Jr., Braylie Mae Gager, Sage Diamond, Jade Diamond; four great-grandchildren; aunts; uncles; cousins; nieces; nephews and in-laws.
Predeceasing her were her nephew Danny Marshall Townsend; her grandparents: Charles Herbert and Georgia Maria Hicks Law, Marshall Sherman and Dorothy Elva Wright Townsend, and Arlo and Alice “Pat” Jeannette Foster.
There were no formal services. The family got together informally on Christmas Day and shared memories via Video Chat. Your love will always be remembered, Maria.