Harriet Etolia Payne

Family/Spouse: George Washington Durkee. George was born on 6 Sep 1835 in Conesus, Livingston County, New York; died on 27 Dec 1922 in Livonia, Livingston County, New York; was buried in Arnold Cemetery, Conesus, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Harriet married George William Martin on 28 Nov 1895 in Conesus, Livingston County, New York. George was born on 5 Jan 1873 in Henrietta, Monroe County, New York; died on 2 Jul 1951 in Livonia, Livingston County, New York; was buried in Union Cemetery, Livonia, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Wilhelm McMaster. John (son of Richard McMaster and Thursey A. Elizabeth Wilhelm) was born on 15 Feb 1879 in West Sparta, Livingston County, New York; died on 27 Feb 1971 in Dansville, Livingston County, New York; was buried in West Sparta Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Sparta, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Gladys married Floyd Philip Hartman on 25 Nov 1915. Floyd (son of Areo Valevesca Hartman and Harriett M. Potter) was born on 11 Feb 1894 in West Sparta, Livingston County, New York; died on 29 Nov 1927 in West Sparta, Livingston County, New York; was buried in Greenmount Cemetery, North Dansville, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A woman filled with Kindness, Grace and Love, Mary exuded “Warmth, Laughter, Wisdom, Gentility” (Cindy Hinman-Cosola). And now she bids farewell and leaves her essence to her family, friends and community she loved so dearly.

Mary (97+) was born to John W. and Helen Durkee McMaster in West Sparta, New York on April 19, 1921 “AD” (as she would jokingly say whenever anyone asked her for her birth date). Growing up, Mary lived a charmed life and she loved and dearly appreciated every bit of it. She was raised in a loving home with her older brother Warren (Brub) and identical twin sister Jean and was surrounded by joy, music, strong principles, hard work and fun-loving relatives to instill her humanitarian values.

Mary and Jean graduated with honors from Geneseo State Teachers College in 1942 and began teaching in the fall. That summer, however, they had an important decision to make because they had an exciting opportunity! The twins were talented singers and at the age of 21, they were each offered a scholarship to the Milwaukee, WI Radio Drama Workshop, where they won a singing contest and twice sang with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (once on their senior high school trip to DC). They were even asked to tour with the band but declined and began their teaching careers with Mary going to Canisteo for three years and then moving to Wayland for five years.

Married in November 1944 and divorced in January 1956, Mary returned to Dansville and continued teaching and raised her “three little special people” (her three children) on her own, whom she “loved to pieces and loved all of the pieces.” It was a very painful road for a while as she documented: “trying to hide my grief, despair and shame (Divorce in 1956 was for movie stars and celebrities, not the innocents of rural Western NYS). Jean was my ‘Rock of Gibraltar’! I couldn’t have done it without her!!” A few years later, Mary was engaged to Ellis B. Hyde, the Superintendent of the Dansville Public Schools. Sadly, he suddenly passed away during their engagement. Holding onto her children, brother and sister, teaching, and survival instincts, Mary persevered. As a lover and promoter of learning, Mary continued her education and acquired the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in Education.

Mary taught 33 years, 25 years in Dansville and 22 of those teaching the first grade. She considered her teaching role a privilege and honor and one of the loves of her life. And it showed because upon her retirement, her Primary School Principal Howard Lapidus sent her the following note: “To a person who has a positive and ‘graceful’ attitude towards everyone she meets.” Mary and her sister, Jean, retired from teaching in 1981 after positively touching the lives of thousands of children.

Throughout her teaching career, Mary loved her involvement with community service and volunteer work. She dedicated herself to: the Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 of the American Red Cross (Board of Directors); the Dansville Area and Livingston County Historical Society (Correspondent); the Dansville Museum; the Dansville Women’s Civic Club; Noyes Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; Genesee Valley Council on the Arts; Opportunity Circle of the King’s Daughters and Sons; the Samaritan Dinner Program; Hospital Visitors’ Desk; Retired Teachers Association (Dansville and Livingston County); Geneseo Alumni Association; Meals on Wheels; Friends of the Dansville Public Library; Livingston County Children’s Protective Association; Red Cross Blood Drive; and, as a Deacon for the Dansville Presbyterian Church, among many other roles she willingly undertook.

Mary enriched her life every single day and here’s a glimpse into her greatest joys and activities: family gatherings; documenting her life’s precious moments through thousands of images she and others took and writing comments on the back of nearly every photo; singing and listening to good music (classical, semi-classical, and popular music of the ‘30s and 40’s); birds, especially the chickadees; walking the woods; arranging flower bouquets; beautifying her surroundings with aesthetics and the arts; specialty/gourmet cooking; chinning with her dear friends and friend groups (e.g., the PDQs, M&Ts and M&Es) and making new friends; voracious reader; collecting and practicing quotes and sage sayings she lived by every day; writing and sending her special messages on holiday and birthday cards to family and friends; and, planning-cooking-hosting all holidays and special occasions, to name a few. Mary was known throughout the region for her scrumptious apple, blueberry and pumpkin pies. She was a gifted writer and known for it because she was repeatedly asked to write letters for others (e.g., thank you letters requested by community institutions, letters requested by individuals, etc.).

During her “golden retirement years,” between the ages of 60 and 86, Mary continued her community service, volunteer work and activities, traveled more to visit her family and friends, created more occasions for meetups with friends, and typically walked 5 miles a day for her health and to meet with friends around town (“very special”).

The next two years took a medical toll on Mary, and her children rallied to her side to help her continue her life in her home and beloved community. But as life would have it, a different decision was needed and just following her 88th birthday, Mary said good-bye to the home (38 years) and community (88 years) she knew and loved.

Mary lived the last 9+ years of her life with her daughter, Ingrid, and Ingrid’s husband, John, in Springfield, VA. While she was so sad to leave her beloved friends and hometown, of which she held such pride and joy, she embraced her new phase of life with curiosity, grace and love. Everyone who met her became her friend.

Mary was hospitalized on Sunday, July 8, 2018 with aspiration pneumonia of which progressive dementia is a contributing cause. She still knew her family and recognized old friends with all her love. Over the course of five days complications progressed and Mary passed peacefully in Northern Virginia at INOVA Fairfax Hospital with Ingrid, Celia and their husbands by her side. We’re thankful that during her last critical days, she was mostly unaware of her current state.

Living beyond age 97, Mary outlived many of her friends and family members. She was predeceased by her brother Warren (Doris) McMaster (Dansville, NY), and her identical twin sister Jean (Bill) McMaster Ullyette (Dansville, NY); her three nieces Susan Ullyette (New York, NY), Sarah Ullyette Harrington (Dansville, NY), and Janine Ullyette (New York, NY); her fiance' Ellis Hyde (Dansville, NY); her brother-in-law Robert (Kay) Melenbacker (Fresno, CA), and her former husband Alfred Melenbacker (Truro, MA). Her other sister, Harriet McMaster (Dansville, NY), died before Mary was born.

Mary is survived by her three children Eric (Wendy) Melenbacker (Rochester, NY), Ingrid Melenbacker (John DeLaura) (Springfield, VA), and Celia Melenbacker (Jack Harris) (Erieville, NY); 5 grandchildren Stephanie Melenbacker Dempsey (Avon, NY), Nathan Melenbacker (East Rochester, NY), and Kate (Eric) Hollerbush Saeger (Hamilton, NY); Art (Kacie) DeLaura (San Antonio, TX) and Amy DeLaura (San Francisco, CA); 4 great grandchildren Sean Dempsey (Avon, NY) and Maggie Dempsey (Avon, NY); Caleb DeLaura (San Antonio, TX) and Sara DeLaura (San Antonio, TX); 5 nieces WixumLee McMaster (Nunda, NY) and Laurel Ullyette (Donald Sanzotta)​ (Auburn, NY); Laura Melenbacker Davis (Fresno, CA), Linda Melenbacker Stindt (Clovis, CA), and Lani (Scott) Melenbacker Turner (Modesto, CA); 4 nephews Jan (Thelma) McMaster (Marana, AZ); Bob (Cindy) Melenbacker (Fresno, CA), Gary (Lori) Melenbacker (Madera, CA), and Gregg Melenbacker (Fresno, CA); 2 great nieces Shannon ​Harrington Mayes (Dansville, NY) and Meris Sanzotta (Washington, DC); 3 great nephews Samuel Durkee McMaster (Marana, AZ), Shawn Tobin McMaster (Marana, AZ), and Ni​kolas (Angelina) Sanzotta (Auburn, NY); and several great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews, many from California.

There are no prior calling hours. Interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery behind the West Sparta United Methodist Church, 4287 Redmond Road, Dansville, NY 14437, on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 11 AM. Following, there will be a short, casual and intimate gathering with Mary’s favorite music for family and friends inside the Church on location. Family and friends are most welcome to share your fond memories and thoughts of Mary at the gathering.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the name of Mary McMaster Melenbacker to the Alzheimer's Association: https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1

Please be sure to visit the “Mary Eileen McMaster Melenbacker Celebration of Life” website as it continues to evolve: http://www.memmcl.com

Family/Spouse: Alfred Lewis Melenbacker, Jr.. Alfred was born on 28 Mar 1920 in Rochester, Monroe County, New York; died on 11 Jan 2014 in Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Robert married Julia Scislowsky on 23 Aug 1941 in Huntersland, Schoharie County, New York. Julia (daughter of Michael Scislowsky) was born on 17 Nov 1915; died on 6 Jul 2009 in New York; was buried in Middleburgh Cemetery, Middleburgh, Schoharie County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Harriet married Robert Ernest Pickard on 07 Sep 1940. Robert was born on 3 Apr 1917 in Byersville, Livingston County, New York; died on 15 Dec 1987 in Dansville, Livingston County, New York; was buried in West Sparta Oak Lawn Cemetery, West Sparta, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Nickname "Tip". Its been said that at one time when Leon was working
on the roof of his house, he hit the power lines for the house and he
fell off the roof, and lived to talk about it.

Leon married Helen Anderson about 1943. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Leon married Cordelia Kysor on 18 Aug 1950 in Castile, Wyoming County, New York. Cordelia (daughter of George Octavius Kysor and Myrtle A. Walker) was born on 10 Oct 1931 in West Sparta, Livingston County, New York; died on 18 Jan 2006 in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Nickname "Mush", given by his grandmother. Living on the old Hartman homestead in West Sparta,NY, 1997.


West Sparta- Austin E. "Mush" Hartmann passed away unexpectedly in his life-long West Sparta home on October 13, 2011, at age 89.

He was born in West Sparta on January 30, 1922, a son of the late Floyd and Gladys (Martin) Hartman. He was also predeceased by his brothers Leon and Edwin.

Mush graduated from Dansville High School in 1939 where he was Senior Class President. He was a contractor with Soil Conservation for 44 years, retiring at age 72. Mush was a long-time member of the Dansville Presbyterian Church, serving as Elder, Trustee & Choir member. He spent many years in scouting as Scout Master & Cub Master of Troop 40. He was a 21 year member of the West Sparta Town Board and was active on the Dansville hospital and school boards. He belonged to the Phoenix Lodge # 115 of the F&AM, and served in the National Guard and recently received membership to the Sons of the American Revolution. Mush's interests included family, music, hunting and history, specifically the Civil War.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Elsie, children Peter (Alice) Hartmann (Ohio), Wendy (Eric) Melenbacker (Fairport), Roxanne (David) Matthews (Vermont), Marsha (Edward) Freeman (Penfield), Laurie (Timothy) Perry (Dansville), Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Witherell (Tennessee), 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Friends may call Monday from 1:00 to 3:00pm at the Dansville Presbyterian Church where services will follow at 3:00pm. Interment will be in Greenmount Cemetery, Dansville. Online remembrances may be left at HindleFuneralHome.com. Ref. Hindle Funeral Home, Inc., 271 Main St., Dansville.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Dansville Presbyterian Church, 3 School St., Dansville, NY 14437.

Austin married Elsie Jo Finch on 1 Feb 1946 in North Dansville, Livingston County, New York. Elsie (daughter of Ray MacAlpine Finch and Ruth Elizabeth Vaisey) was born on 9 Jan 1922 in North Dansville, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Edwin J. Hartman, 75, of Main St., Dansville passed away at home Thursday evening, June 22, 2000 following a short illness. He was born in West Sparta on Oct. 11, 1924, a son of the late Floyd P. and Gladys Martin Hartman. On July 31, 1948, he was married to the former Helen Engert Hartman who survives. He was predeceased by his brother Leon. Edwin participated in high school and town team sports and was an avid bowler, golfer, skeet shooter and horseshoe pitcher. He played basketball on the town team against the Rochester Royal's and the Harlem Globe Trotters for the benefit of the Polio Drive. He was a former member of the Dansville Exchange Club and had served as the chairman of the Polio Drive in Dansville in 1961. He was a 52-year member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Dansville, serving on the Church Council, Stewardship and Property committees, the Loyal Club and adult Bible study group. He helped with the excavation project beneath the sanctuary to create a new social hall which was started in 1947. Edwin was employed by C.C. Bateman Dodge Agency, Inc. for 13 years as parts clerk and later was a salesman. He had also worked for Castle, Sybron and MDT Corporation in Henrietta for 27 years, retiring in 1989. Surviving in addition to his dear wife Helen are his daughter, Jewel L. (David) Goodsell of Penn Yan; his son Gerald E. Hartman of Hornell; his grandchildren Megan V. Hartman and Kenneth E., Charles A. and Joseph P. Goodsell; a sister, Harriet M. Pickard of Sparta; two brothers, Austin (Elsie) Hartmann of West Sparta and Robert (Julia) Hartmann of Farmingville; and several nieces and nephews. Friends called Saturday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Hindle Funeral Home, 271 Main St., Dansville. Services were held at 1 p.m., Sunday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Dansville with the Rev. Randolph Bishop officiating. Interment was in Greenmount Cemetery, Dansville. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 21 Clara Barton St., Dansville, 14437, Livingston County Hospice, 2 County Campus, Mt. Morris, NY 14510, or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 10609, Rochester, NY 14610. (GCE, June 29, 2000, p4)

Edwin married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

East Rochester/Dansville- Eric R. Melenbacker age 73, passed away unexpectedly at home Thursday afternoon April 16, 2020.

He was born in Wayland, NY on April 27, 1946, the son of the late Alfred Lewis and Mary Eileen (McMaster) Melenbacker. On February 28, 1969, he was married to the former Wendy Hartmann who survives.

Eric worked in broadcasting for over 56 years. He built several radio stations from scratch and eventually retired from WROC 8 TV as Chief Engineer.

He loved spending time with his family, doting over his cats, and admiring trains, which prompted his post-retirement job at the model train shop near his home.

Survived by his lovely wife Wendy of 51 years, daughter Stephanie of Avon, son Nathan (Shannon) of East Rochester, sister Celia Melenbacker (Jack Harris) of Erieville , NY; sister Ingrid Melenbacker (John DeLaura) of Springfield, VA , 2 half-sisters, 2 grandchildren Sean and Margaret and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Mother in-law Elsie Hartmann of West Sparta.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by the Hindle Funeral Home, Inc. 271 Main St. Dansville. Online remembrances may be left at HindleFuneralHome.com

Memorials can be sent to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in Rush or to Lollipop Farm.

Eric married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Lou Hotchkins. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Glenn Draute. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Patricia married Raymond Henry DeMoulin on 04 Jan 1974, and was divorced in Oct 1992. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died while trick or treating on Lake Ave in Roch.,NY

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Gerald E. 'Jerry' Hartman, 55, of 315 Seneca Rd., passed away unexpectedly Friday evening (July 31, 2009).
Born in Dansville on April 29, 1954, he was the son of Edwin Hartman, who predeceased him and Helen Engert Hartman, who survives.
A graduate of Dansville Central School, Jerry had resided in Hornell for about 35 years.
He was employed as a service technician for Sears in Hornell for 25 years before his retirement. For the past several years he dedicated his time to caring for his mother.
Jerry enjoyed the computer, electronics, target shooting and making gadgets, especially remote controls for just about every item in his home. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his caring nature and his love of children; often being referred to as a 'big kid at heart' himself.
Besides his mother, Helen of Penn Yan, his family includes his loving companion of 24 years, Jan (Cook) Hartman; his two children, Megan Hartman of Rochester and Joseph Hayes of Factoryville, Pa.; his sister, Jewel (Dave) Goodsell of Penn Yan and their three sons, Kenneth Goodsell, Charlie (Colleen) Goodsell and Joe Goodsell; also Jan's family and his aunts, uncles and cousins.
Calling hours are from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where a private funeral and committal service will be held in his memory, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Interment will be in Greenmount Cemetery, Dansville at the convenience of his family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the American Cancer Society, 1316 College Ave., Elmira, N.Y. 14901 or to Steuben County Rural Ministry, P.O. Box 66, Canisteo, N.Y. 14823. (Envelopes will be available at the funeral home) or to the Yates County Food for the Needy.

Gerald married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]