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Henrietta Whitney Obituary
of Apalachin, N.Y.
Henrietta Whitney, 98, of Apalachin, N.Y., passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, at Wilson Hospital, Johnson City, N.Y. She was born in Ontario, Ohio, on January 28, 1909, the daughter of the late Mark and Clara (Myrth) Bailey. After moving with her family to a farm outside of Owego, she attended Owego Free Academy and graduated from Newark Valley High School in 1928. She then attended Plattsburg University to become a teacher. She taught school from 1932 to her retirement in 1971, from all eight grades in a one-room school house to the Apalachin Elementary School. Henrietta was a gracious and dedicated member of the community her entire life. She would volunteer her time to the United Way, Apalachin Lions Club and the Fred C. Waterman Conservation and Education Center among many others, also serving as secretary for the Apalachin and Little Meadows Senior Citizens Clubs. Henrietta was especially devoted to delivering food through the Open Door Mission and the Apalachin United Methodist Church food pantries where she faithfully volunteered for many years. Over the years, she touched many lives and lived what she believed was God's plan for her. Henrietta will forever be remembered for her generosity and willingness to do whatever she could to help others. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Robert and Shirley Whitney, Edenton, N.C.; her grandchildren, Kathleen and Patrick Gibson, Timothy Whitney; great-grandchildren, Sean, Kevin, Erin Gibson; special nephews and nieces, Richard and Nancy Bailey, Gary "Pat" and Sarah Fox; and several other nieces, nephews and their families.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Apalachin United Methodist Church, 303 Pennsylvania Ave., Apalachin, N.Y., on Friday, November 9, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Mary Jean Simonin, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Apalachin. Friends are invited to call at Richards Funeral Home, Rte. 17c West, Owego, N.Y. on Thursday, November 8, 2007, from 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. Share your memories at www.RichardsFH.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Henrietta Whitney
Mary Ann Sacharov
November 25, 2007
To the family of Henrietta Whitney,
I had the privilege of going to Apalachin Elementary School when Henrietta was teaching. My sister had her as a teacher and she was best of friends with one of my teacher's Catherine McHugh. She always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word. In later yrs, when I joined Apalachin UMC, she and I sang in the choir together and I got to enjoy some of her delicious baked goods. She made the best chocolate frosting ever!!! She sang and played the piano with all her heart!! She could always be seen helping others despite her own aches and pains. Her hugs were warm and sincere, her life a true testament to the God she served. Although I am very sad that she is no longer among us, I am so happy that she can now rejoice with God in heaven.Truly, she was a saint we were blessed to be with and I am so happy she is now in her heavenly home with nothing to slow her down. God bless you Henrietta and my heart goes out to all of you, her family.
Mary Ann Sacharov
JoAnn (DeMann) Walter
November 17, 2007
To the family of Mrs. Whitney, my heartfelt sympathy.
Mrs. Whitney was also my 3rd grade teacher, I occasionally ran into her in Apalachin. When I told her who I was, she remembered me! She is definitely the kind of individual we should all strive to be. I will never forget her homemade apple muffins she brought to school for my class, they were delicious, and we all looked forward to them. She will be sadly missed.
Nancy (Scott) Powers
November 14, 2007
I have wonderful memories of Mrs Whitney! She was my 3rd grade teacher and a long-time friend of the family. With a consistently positive attitude we could count on her for smile and laugh. She and her sister-in-law, Mrs Fox, used to bring us home-make cookies at Christmas every year. Her tireless service to others was an amazing example to all who met her.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
David Benson
November 14, 2007
I have known Mrs. Whitney my entire life. I was very fortunate to have grown up with her thru church and was blessed to have her as my third grade teacher. I am 48 years old now and it is truly amazing to reflect on what she has done for me my entire life. Little lessons learned at a young age and carried on thru the years and instilled in my own children. I would run into her on rare occasions and would always stop to talk. I will miss the way she would hold on to you while we were talking, never wanting to let you go.
My condolences to the entire family.
NORMA and JOHN MATTS
November 13, 2007
We knew this fine lady from many encounters over the years... She would call and ask if we wanted to join the Seniors group and or donate to the United Way and of course we did and would... she would laugh when i would say hi and call her by her name as she wondered how i would know it was her... Now how would you not know that wonderful happy voice??? May she rest in peace and join the rest of the angels up there... now she and my mom, Avis Guiles can join the rest of them .... may you find comfort in her memories...
Mary Brink
November 12, 2007
Henrietta will be so missed.Walking in the P&C in Owego she always looked around and we would get a cheery greeting.Then when leaving I often got a hug.She was such a special person and may she rest in peace.
Stella Ferguson
November 11, 2007
Two years ago I moved away from Apalachin, but I still remember looking around for my friend, Henrietta at the United Methodist Church and at the Sr.Citizens once a month. Apalachin has lost a very valuable lady, one who was always there to help, greet, and play the piano with Paul Newell. Henrietta knew everyone and everyone knew her!
What a loss! My greatest sympathy to the Whitney family.
Marilyn Morgan
November 11, 2007
Mrs. Whitney was my third grade teacher. She made sure I passed so I could stay with my class, by coming to the hospital everyday to give me assignments and care boxes. She was a great example. All her good deeds will surely be missed. I'm certain she's already volunteering in heaven.
Ernest and Trudy Beebe
November 11, 2007
To the family of Henrietta Whitney: I am a member of the Gradel family, neighbors of the Bailey's where Mrs. Whitney lived. She was a wonderful lady, piano player and mother to Robert. She attended the Gaskill Corners school reunion at the Rudin Days and I have a picture of her with the classes. Please accept our sympathy.
Trudy (Gradel) Beebe and husband, Ernest
Roger Weber
November 10, 2007
To the Henrietta Whitney family: My wife and I,are very sorry to hear about the loss of Henrietta.We didn't really know her that well,but we were her neighbors on Hazel Terrace off Marshland.Before I retired from work,I would see her walking at 6:15 in the morning.She would always wave at me,as I drove by.Oh!yes and a great big smile.What a way to start my mornings. I also saw her at the Mobil,just after her 97 birthday,still driveing her car.She was a remarkable and special lady. Roger and Vicky Weber
denise soule/caywood
November 9, 2007
What a wonderful woman! Henrietta was my third grade teacher and a dear friend of my grandmother Eva Somers in Apalachin...Heaven opened its arms wide to welcome Henrietta home. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Denise Soules Caywood and Mary Jane Somers Soules
Linda Breffle
November 9, 2007
To the family of Henrietta Whitney,
May God hold you in his arms at this time of need as he is holding Henrietta.
Henrietta was my "back yard" neighbor and I enjoyed over the years listening to her play the organ.When I would tell her--she thought she was bothering me and I wouldn't hear it for awhile and then she would start in again. So, I didn't tell her that anymore. But, I will miss opening the windows to listen to the old familiar and favorite hymns.
Henrietta, God bless.
Linda Kemmerer
November 8, 2007
Sometimes Angels do walk amoung us.
Henrietta was the kindess,sweetest, most giving person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. We should all aspire to the standard she set in her life.
I was going to say "May she rest in peace" but than I thought about it.
She's probably already baking cookies or delivering meals to the other angels.
Good-Bye to a very speciel lady.
Kathleen Kretzer
November 8, 2007
We have truly lost an Angel in our community! Henrietta had spent many grief-stricken days with my family as we endured the loss of my brother, Steven, in 1995, and, more recently, the passing of my father, Karl. Her presence and sympathy was something that I will never forget.
I will always remember Henrietta and her beautiful words and music as I came of age in the Apalachin UMC. Later, while working in the community, Henrietta always welcomed me with a smile and kind words.
Her grace will truly be missed by myself and my family. Our deepest condolences to her family.
Robert Craig
November 8, 2007
I never knew anyone who led such a caring, and dedicated life. Truly an angel who left her mark with her glorious smile and sense of humor. I,ve loved her since she was my 3rd grade teacher in 1957. As always my heart will never forget such a special person who touched the lives of everyone she met. Someday she,ll be tutoring me up there. God Bless You Henrietta.
Kris & John Madison
November 8, 2007
Mrs. Whitney---What a beautiful person! She was such an inspiration to us all. She always had a cheerful hello and smile. You would never know she was going through a tough or painful day.
She was a true testimony of Christian faith. Her trust and love for the Lord shined through in the way she lived her life. I'm sure she is in heaven playing her piano and singing to everyone there while shinning that great smile that we will all miss. Our payers go out to her entire family. She will be missed by many.
Scott, Sally and Sue - Waterman Center
November 8, 2007
Henrietta was a wonderful volunteer at Waterman Center. How we will miss seeing her. She would call to make sure she hadn't missed our volunteer gathering to assemble the newsletter. She always had a kind word and was very supportive of all the activities at Waterman Center. She would bring the most delicious fudge as a treat for the staff. It was a privilege to know her and to count her as a friend.
Dot & Tom McCormack
November 8, 2007
Henrietta inspired all who met her to do good things for people in need. The help at the Open Door Mission called her their Angel. A name well deserved.
Margie Atkinson
November 8, 2007
Henrietta was such a sweet, caring, and loving person. She just lit up the store when she came in to shop. I was a cashier at P&C and everyone knew and loved her. Her smiling face will be greatly missed.
DAVID NEWELL
November 8, 2007
HENRIETTA WAS ONE OF MY FATHERS FAVORITE FRIENDS.DURING HIS TIME IN THE HOSPITAL,HENRIETTA CALLED ME AND ASKED WHAT SHE COULD GET FOR HIM?I SAID TAKE YOURSELF,HE NEEDS HIS FRIENDS.YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ANYONE WHO IS NOT FEELING WELL.ONE NIGHT WE ARRIVED AT HIS ROOM AND BEFORE I COULD SAY HELLO,HE SAYS HENRIETTA CAME TO SEE ME.IT WAS OBVIOUS SHE HAD MADE HIS DAY.UNFORTUNATELY WE LOST OUR FATHER OCT.16,07,BUT WERE BLESSED BY HENRIETTA PLAYING PIANO FOR HIS SERVICE.IN MEMORY OF HENRIETTA WHITNEY AND PAUL NEWELL,MAY THEY CONTINUE TO SHARE THE MUSIC TOGETHER.WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE WHITNEY FAMILY.THE NEWELL FAMILY APALACHIN,N.Y.AND ROCHESTER,N.Y.
Joann Fisher
November 7, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the family of Henrietta Whitney. She was the kindest and most gentle angel God has ever placed on this earth. Meeting her and having her be a part of my life and that of my children will always be a blessing to me. She always had a smile and was always willing to help someone in any way possible.
Thank you Henrietta for your smile, your hugs, and let's not forget the best fudge ever made. May you rest in peace in God's love.
Joann Fisher
Kathy Gibson
November 7, 2007
How nice to read so many nice things about my Gram! I am Henrietta's granddaughter. Gram was a wonderful testimony to me of what God's love truly is. She is also the person who gave me my love of music. I was quite close to my Gram and will miss her very much but she is now with God in heaven and I know I will see her again.
We will miss you, Gram, all of my family; Pat, Sean, Kevin, and Erin too!
Diane Farris
November 7, 2007
I will always remember Aunt Henrietta calling our family every Christmas morning with a bright and cheery "Merry Christmas!". She was always hospitable and enjoyed cooking great food (especially the pecan pie and cookies) for our family when we would visit. Aunt Henrietta was a great inspiration and a shining example of the positive human spirit.
Ken Davis
November 7, 2007
Henrietta was truly a saint! Even though I had only known her for a short time, she was well-known for all of her volunteer work. She helped to make Apalachin and Tioga County a better place for everyone. We are grateful for all that you accomplished.
Tioga United Way
Ken Davis
Richard Tuckey
November 7, 2007
I was just a little young boy when I met Henrietta. She made a great impression on me because you could just see Gods' Love comming through her. I am in my 60's now. She is truly one that "fought the good fight" and was where our wondeful Savior wanted her to be. She was a angel on earth and now is a angel in Heven. Thank you Lord for shareing her with this world for so many years---
Dot & Tom McCormack
November 7, 2007
Henrietta inspired all who met her to do good things for people in need. The help at the Open Door Mission called her thier angel. A name well deserved.
Lisa Krysinski Cavotta
November 7, 2007
Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful friend to my grandmother, Heddie Olsen as well as my favorite teacher in the world (3rd grade - around 1965 "ish") Of all the days we sat in her classroom, I never remember her without a smile. I broke my collarbone that spring and had to move my desk next to hers so she could keep an eye on me. Just wanted to share some of the wonderful memories I have of her. She has a special place in my heart... my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Krysinski Cavotta
Angela Basalla
November 7, 2007
It's funny. I was just talking about Mrs. Whitney to a friend of mine and she was telling me how much everyone enjoyed the piano music that blessed the residents at Castle Gardens. I went to the Methodist Church when I was a teen and Mrs. Whitney always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. God took back one of his angels when he brought Mrs. Whitney home. She will be missed by all.
Lori Brozzetti Carella
November 7, 2007
I will always remember Mrs. Whitney as the kind and caring teacher I had 38 years ago at Apalachin Elementary School. I was lucky enough to have her as neighbor for all of my childhood. Mrs. Whitney was an inspiration to me and is considered to be a Saint in my life as she was such a positive influence to all. I will always cherish the memories I have of her.
Judy Frey
November 7, 2007
I worked at Miller Dodge and was familiar with Henrietta. What a wonderful and loving person she was. She always brightened up our day with her visits. She made the most wonderful cookies that we all enjoyed. There wasn't a day when she would come in without her friendly smile and loving personality. We all admired her and will miss her dearly.
Laura and Bob Jensen
November 7, 2007
Henrietta was a wonderful person, always willing to help others. She will be greatly missed.
Henrietta - 2001 Tioga United Way Awards Dinner
Bob & Joan Brozzetti
November 7, 2007
Henrietta was truly one of the most gracious, caring and thoughtful individuals that we have ever known. We were fortunate to have her as a friend and neighbor during the 40 yrs. that we lived on Marshland Rd. in Apalachin, NY. She will be dearly missed by all the people that she touched during her long lifetime. A remarkable lady - may she rest in peace after a job well done.
With deepest sympathies to all of her family and friends.
Sue Moore
November 7, 2007
Though I only met her every other month here at the Waterman Center, she was an inspiration to me. She always had a friendly smile, a warm hello and a way that made you feel that you were welcome. She will be missed greatly and I appreciate all she has done for the Waterman Center. Rest in peace Henrietta.
Carol and Jim Guagliardo
November 7, 2007
Henrietta was a wonderful friend to our whole family beginning when she taught two of our children in the 3rd grade. She always had kind words to say and will be missed by all of us.
Sharon Schecter
November 7, 2007
Henrietta was a dear and loving friend to me. She has been an inspiration to live my life to the fullest a large part of that being giving to others of your time and energy no matter how you are feeling. A day will not go by that I do not think of her and smile.
David & Ruth Ace
November 7, 2007
To the Whitney Family,
Henrietta was the girlhood friend of my husbands mother (Marion ACe)and they remained friends till Ma's death. She always had a hug and kiss forus when we would see her because "the hill people are good people." We loved her cookies, her fudge but most of all her. She will be greatly missed by all. There are wonderful memories of her from David's childhood and our adulthood.
Rest in Peace We love you and will Miss you
The Hill People, Dave, Ruth, JOe and Ed ACe
Karen Powers
November 7, 2007
Richard, Nan, Bob, Shirley & Family,
Our "Apalachin Angel" has gone home to be with the Lord and she is playing beautiful music with Paul!
There will never be enough words to tell you how much Mrs. Whitney meant to me!! She became the "Gramma I never had." Though she asked me many times to call her "Henrietta," the words just would not come out of my mouth! It was a "respect thing" - I could never call someone of her generation by their "first name."
She was such a Blessing in my life and she will NEVER be forgotten. Thank you for sharing her with me. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this very, very difficult time in your lives.
With Love and My Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy...........Karen
John Krysinski
November 7, 2007
Henrietta was one of the most wonderful people that we knew. Our three children were taught by her. May she have eternal life with God.
Mr. & Mrs. John Krysinski
Chris Frederick
November 7, 2007
Henrietta was a ray of sunshine during the short time she lived at Castle Gardens. Every day more residents would come to our lobby to hear her play the piano. Her cheerful disposition and sunny outlook touched everyone who met her. She will be missed and never forgotten.
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