IN MEMORIAM
‘Wonder Woman’ Lost
Family Remembers Tifanne Wells
Editor’s Note: Tifanne Wells’ family released this heart-felt obituary Tuesday. A celebration of Tifanne’s life is planned at 4 p.m. Friday at Foothills Performing Arts & Community Center, Oneonta.
ONEONTA – The devastated family of Tifanne Kristin Wells, 44, announces with the greatest sadness that Tifanne died tragically on Saturday, March 7, 2015.
She was born May 31, 1970, in Fort Bragg, N.C., but shortly thereafter became a lifelong resident of the Oneonta community, where she was well known for being vivacious, outgoing and loving but, above all, “WONDER WOMAN”.
Tifanne leaves behind the sunshine rays to her soul, her beloved children, Cassandra Smith, and Austin and Dalton Wells; Cassandra’s husband, Thomas Smith; her grandchildren, Brenna and Mason Smith; parents Bon Zuefle, David A. Harrington, Carl W. Fleming and Larry Cummings; brother Aric James (AJ) and Laura Fleming and niece and nephew Charlotte and Beau; her sister Shyloe and Greg Luehrs and nieces and nephew Taiten, Greyson and Sutton; sister Colleen and Alan Gaydorus and their daughters; sister Erin Harrington and brother Ian Harrington; grandmother Marilyn Harrington. Tifanne is also survived by her special “Auntie” and Uncle Jim and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Tifanne was predeceased by her very best friend Ali Engler.
Tifanne possessed a powerful confident energy at her places of employment, AG Edwards, Jay’s Place, DSB Insurance, Wilber Bank, ARC Otsego and Holiday Inn. But her shining examples of who she truly was and where she received her most satisfaction was her volunteer work. She was an instrumental part of fundraising and event planning for multiple community organizations. Tifanne worked with local legislators and businesses by creating and chairing the Distinguished Partner In Education Award for St. Mary’s School.
She will be remembered for orchestrating golf tournaments for The Boys and Girls Club of Oneonta, Unatego Touchdown Club and UCCCA. She was a former vice president on the UCCCA Board of Directors and while there was active in the strategic planning of increasing UCCCA membership. Serving on the First Night Oneonta board and as a coordinator for the Hometown Fourth of July Celebration, Tifanne added her own style of laughter and joy.
Whether being the team Mom and scorekeeper for Little League Baseball, the most exuberant Mom at every football game, or cheering on Austin and Dalton at soccer games, basketball games and wrestling matches, Tifanne could be found with Big Sister Cassandra at her side. Her children and family were her touchstones. Her smile will forever light our memories.
Please join us for a Celebration of Tifanne’s Life. We will come together at 4 p.m. Friday, March 13, after work ~ during Happy Hour” at The Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market St., Oneonta. We ask that you bring all of your favorite “Tifanne Moments” and as many pictures of her that you can for sharing with her children.
