Mary S. Allison – 88 – of 101 Seneca St., Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (April 24, 2013) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.
Born in North Hornell on January 24, 1925 (on a day of the total eclipse of the sun), she was the daughter of Stephen “Fred” & Irene (Weld) Sayles.
Mary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1943). She later received her nurse’s license from Strong Memorial Hospital School of Nursing.
She was employed as a registered nurse for about 20 years at the former Bethesda Hospital, primarily as head nurse of the maternity ward. For many years she also taught Lamaze classes to expectant mothers. During WWII, Mary served with the US Nurse Cadet Corp.
Mary was a member of the Interfaith Fellowship Church of Hornell where she served as a trustee and treasurer. She later was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hornell. In her youth, Mary enjoyed watching Shirley Temple movies and would learn all of the tap dancing routines that she observed while watching the movies. Later, she would perform these routines for her family. Mary continued her love of tap dancing her entire life. In later years, she enjoyed gardening and working on crossword puzzles.
She was married on December 22, 1951 to Burt Allison who died July 3, 1995. Mary was also preceded in death by her son, Stephen Allison who died in 1959; 2 brothers, Harold “Red” Sayles and Shirley “Chick” Sayles; 1 sister, Fannie Roblin.
Surviving are 3 daughters, Martha (Dennis) Stearns of Brighton, NY, Nancy (Nick) Berger of Garrison, NY and Susan (Chet Simons) Allison of Hornell; 1 sister, Genevieve Harding of Austin, TX; 5 grandchildren, Christopher Stearns, Rebecca Stearns, Amanda Stearns, Jennilyn (Rob) Peckering and Colleen Irene Boag; 1 great-grandson, John Peckering; several nieces & nephews. She will also be sadly missed by her beloved sheltie, “Teddy”.
At Mary’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.