OXFORD – Mabel R. Harvey, 81, of Oxford, passed away peacefully Dec. 29, 2011 at her home with her loving family by her side.
She was born Mabel Emma Ross on Aug. 6, 1930 to Laura (Fuller) and Allen Ross in Oxford. On June 27, 1953 she married William T. Harvey of Oxford, who survives, and raised their family in Oxford.
Mabel was a graduate of Oxford Academy & Central Schools class of 1947. She had many jobs throughout her life: as a teenager she worked for the Rapalje family; after graduation she worked at the Norwich Knitting Mill, Norwich Shoe Co. and Norwich Family Bargain Center. But her true calling was mentoring and helping children with research for 17-plus years as the Oxford Middle School Library Assistant until her retirement in 1989. She especially enjoyed working with Elizabeth Ruebsamen, and much appreciated Carl Koenig spending his daily break in the Library to allow her to take a break. She was a longtime member of the Oxford Fire Department Auxiliary and the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oxford.
In addition to her husband of 58 years, Mabel is survived by her two sons, William R. Harvey and Maureen Hoke of Oxford, and Thomas L. and Kimberly Harvey of Norwich; her grandsons Ryan and Erika Harvey of Corpus Christi, TX; Scott Harvey and Felicia Brower of Dublin, OH; and Aaron Haynes of Norwich; and her great-grandchildren Parker, Ryder and Tayler Harvey of Corpus Christi, TX. She is also survived by four brothers Lynn “Pink” and Alice Ross, Clifford “Chuck” Ross, Clifton “Jack” and Donna Ross, and Donald “Pop” and Grace Ross, all of Oxford; sisters-in-law Jane Ross of Bradenton, FL and Amy Ross of Oxford; her foster son Mark and Carlene McGowan and their daughter Aften, of Chenango Forks, and her lifelong and dear friend Patricia (Tansey) Marks of Oxford. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law Bernice (Ross) and Richard Baker, her brothers and sister-in-law Albert “Bud” and Marian Ross, and Gerald Ross, her sister-in-law and close friend Thelma (Harvey) and Lew Horton, and her beloved grandson Todd Harvey.
Mabel’s life was her family and friends. She proudly attended as many school, sporting and other events for her children, grandchildren and extended family as she possibly could, and had an annual tradition of holding Christmas Eve open house for all her extended family and friends to enjoy for many, many years. She was an avid reader, and loved to put puzzles together and play board and card games with family and friends. She greatly enjoyed the many camping trips that the family took all across New York State, and the trip across country that she and Bill took right after her retirement. She made many lifelong friends at Bald Mountain Colony in Old Forge; Green Acres/Brennan’s Bay on Sandy Pond; and Paradise Bay in Bradenton, FL. She was affectionately known as “Mother,” “Aunt Mabel,” or “Grandma” to many friends, especially those in the fire service and friends of her children and grandchildren.
The family would especially like to thank the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County who helped them take such good care of Mabel in her last weeks – Shelly, Teresa, Stacy, Diane and Karen.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Members of the Oxford Fire Department will conduct a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Fire Department Emergency Squad, PO Box 172, Oxford, NY or Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich.