IN MEMORIAM:  Mildred Wedderspoon, 103;

Witness To Pierstown Life For Seven Decades

PIERSTOWN – Mildred Josephine Wedderspoon, a Pierstown mainstay for seven decades and first-hand witness to a rural lifestyle that is no more, died peacefully Thursday afternoon, July 2, 2015, at Woodside Hall in Cooperstown.  She was 103.

Mildred was born in New York City Jan. 23, 1912, a daughter of Czechoslovakian immigrants, Joseph and Agnus (Balvin) Stadler.

Raised in Mount Kisco, Mildred was introduced to this area by a friend whose son attended Hyde Bay Camp for Boys.  She met her future husband, Ford Dana Wedderspoon, and they married in October 1945.  Mr. Wedderspoon died in 1955 but Mildred loved the area and remained in Wedderspoon Hollow  for the next 60 years.

ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY, MILDRED RECALLED PIERSTOWN SHUCKING BEES

For many years Mildred waited tables at Fynmere, which was operated by the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church as a residence for the Church’s retired ministers and their wives. The home closed when she was 75 years old and she went to work for the Cooper family, helping with high teas.

Mildred was a member of Christ Church, Cooperstown, as well as Pierstown Grange No. 793 and Otsego-Hartwick-Arbutus Chapter No. 201, Order of the Eastern Star.

A funny, fun-loving and jovial person, Mildred’s quick wit and sense of humor inspired many friendships over the years and many more among the residents and staff at Woodside Hall, where she had lived for the past several months.

Energetic and self-sufficient into her late 90s, when the DMV took her license at age 98, she challenged the decision and got it back.

She is survived by one cousin, Agnes Sorm of Cleveland and her daughter, Emily; her friend, George Hymas of Pierstown and her special companion cat, Julie.

In addition to her husband, Mildred was predeceased by her sister, Agnus.

A graveside service for Mildred will be at11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8,  at Springfield Cemetery with Rev. Susan R. Burdsall, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of East Springfield, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mildred may send memorial gifts to Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P. O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are entrusted to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.