Donna Jeanne Spooner Tanney

Donna Jeanne
Spooner Tanney
BROOKFIELD
Donna Jeanne Spooner Tanney passed away Sunday, July 19, 2015, at the Presbyterian Home, after a brief illness. She was 12 days short of her 91st birthday. The daughter of Jean and Verah Honer Spooner, she was born July 31, 1924, in New Hartford, NY, where she spent her early childhood. Most of her life, however, was spent in Brookfield, NY. She was predeceased by her husband, Charlie Tanney; her parents; and three brothers, Robert, William and Mac Spooner. She is survived by six children, James Elliott (Sharon), Thomas Elliott (Barbara), Debra Lattimer (Roger), Nancy Elliott (Jim), Douglas Elliott (Terry) and Daniel Lum, as well as 21 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. As well, she is survived by her stepchildren (Charlie's seven children), many of whom have continued their contact with and caring for her. Donna was a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church in Brookfield, NY, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and performing special music. She labored over distant family history to the beginnings of the Town of Brookfield to author a book of local interest, The Eternal Hills. Donna and Charlie owned and operated The Gates Hill Homestead, an area favorite for sleigh and stagecoach rides. She was also very active in the Brookfield Historical Society and the Travellers Club in Waterville. In recent decades, her passion was genealogical research with a focus on the early families of Brookfield Township. She was very proud of the part she played in acquiring an historical plaque for Mertilla Miner in the township. Calling hours are to be held on Thursday, July 23, from 12:30 to 1:30 at the Brookfield First Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 1:30. Interment immediately following the service at the Brookfield Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Jeffrey T. Paul of the Paul Funeral Home of Brookfield. In memory of Donna, please consider a donation in her name to the charity of one's choice.