Eloise B. Oakes

OAKES - Eloise B. Age 100, of Lyndonville, NY, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the Medina Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Oakes was born on August 24, 1908, the oldest daughter of Frank and Mabel (Vaughan) Barry. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Leonard in 1951, twin sisters, Ernestine Caldwell and Bernadine Barry as well as sons, William V. and James L. Oakes in 1998. Eloise is survived by her son, J. Barry (Lois) Oakes of Maryland and a daughter, Judith O. (Versile) Fraleigh of Michigan. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Wanda D. Oakes, 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. A lifelong resident of the Village of Lyndonville, Eloise was proud to be a descendent of one of the first families to settle in the Town of Yates. Widowed suddenly at the age of 42, she went back to college in the late 1950's and earned a degree in Library Science from Geneseo State Teachers College. Subsequently she was hired as a librarian in the Lyndonville Central School District and taught in that capacity until her retirement in 1972. Upon retirement, she took advantage of a keen intellect and wanderlust to travel extensively to many places around the world. Throughout her life Eloise was active in her community and served as a Lyndonville Central School Board Member, a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program and was a early and strong supporter of Orleans County Hospice. In her later years she served as a valued advisor and helper for the family farm that was started by her husband as it welcomed its second, third, and fourth generations. Eloise also relished her role as matriarch to an ever increasing number of great and great-great grandchildren and her home was a beacon to family members from all over the U.S. A 60 year member of the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, Eloise leaves behind a legacy of faith, and service to her family and community that will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the BATES & TUTTLE FUNERAL HOME, 112 N. Main St., Lyndonville, NY. A memorial celebration will be held on Wednesday, 3:00 PM at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, 102 N. Main St., Lyndonville, NY, with the Pastor, Rev. Melba Chaney celebrating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to: Yates Community Library, 15 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098. Please sign the on-line register book at: www.batestuttle.com