Mabel M. Bushee

Mabel M. Bushee, 81, of Pleasant Valley Road, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at her home with her loving family by her side. She was born on April 4, 1943, in Herkimer, a daughter of the late Harold J. and Dora (Geywitts) Ward. She graduated as Salutatorian from Van Hornsville Central School, class of 1961, although she almost missed her graduation because she was doing hay, and also graduated from MVTI (currently MVCC) with a degree in secretarial science, with dreams moving west to become a cowgirl. She met her future husband, Richard Bushee, on a blind date, set up by her best friend Amy. A few months later they were engaged and the couple married on August 12, 1967, in Richfield Springs, and settled on the Bushee Family Farm in Waterville, where they worked side by side, raised their family and lived out their 57 years of marriage.
Mabel was very active in her community, including the Waterville Historical Society, the Waterville Town Grievance Board for 38 years, she served on the community for building the Waterville Park Band Stand, Sangerfield Town Historian for 20 years, the Sangerfield Cemetery Association as Treasurer and the SWO Committee. She raised guiding eye dogs for the blind, was a 4H leader for over 40 years. Beside working the farm, she was also employed at Alcott's Greenhouse, Waterville, and still found time to tend to her own flower and vegetable garden, the Waterville Veterinary Clinic, Mohawk Military Arms Auction House, Bouckville, she worked for the Waterville Times. Mabel was an expert seamstress and wedding cake maker and could make the best chocolate chip cookies.
She and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively throughout Europe and the United States.
Surviving are her husband, Richard, her daughter, Linda (Joseph) Szewczyk, of Sauquoit, her son, Richard Bushee, Jr., of Waterville, her grandchildren; Stephanie (Sherman) Sykes, of Stittville, Kevin (Megan) Szewczyk, of Oriskany, her adopted sons, Rick Emerson and Scott Butterfield, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her horse, Toby, and donkey, Dominic, who were truly a joy in her life.
Calling hours will be held from 5:00-7:00pm at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, Waterville, on Friday, October 4, 2024.
A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:00pm.
Interment will follow in the Sangerfield Cemetery.
Donations in her memory may be may to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1999, Memphis, TN., 38101.
To send a condolence online, please visit www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com