Valda R. Hathaway, age 81, of 191 State Route 3, Tupper Lake, died Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.
She was born in Chateauguay, New York on September 22, 1930, the daughter of Raymond and Florence (Sweeney) Ryan. She married Carl G. Hathaway on September 22, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake.
Valda was a 50+ year member of The Order of the Eastern Star, holding many offices including Past District
Deputy Grand Matron in 1972. She enjoyed traveling with her husband to the ends of the earth and back. She loved to work in her beautiful gardens. Her family and friends thought she was the best chocolate chip cookie and pie maker around. Whether it be a family dinner or something for a potluck supper, she was always up for the challenge. Being a caretaker's wife, she was housekeeper/cook/gardener for Gull Bay Camp for 45 years. Valda loved watching the deer, birds and turkeys feeding out in the yard. She loved spoiling her three grandchildren, five great grandchildren and her family. Valda will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years Carl Hathaway of Tupper Lake, NY, two sisters Esther Vibert of Saranac Lake and Eunice Iacovacci and her husband Ralph of Bradenton, FL and a brother Ronald Ryan of Michigan, two daughters Patty Hathaway of Tupper Lake, NY and Judy Phillips of Lake Placid, NY, three grandchildren Dove Phillips-Infantio and her husband Dan of Plattsburgh, NY, Curtis Switzer and his wife Vicky of Tupper Lake, NY, and Travis Switzer and his fiancé Kristi of Glens Falls, NY, six great grandchildren Sage Infantio, Piper Infantio, Jenna Switzer, Averie Switzer, Noah Switzer and Kyle Tinker and one son-in-law Thomas Phillips of Tupper Lake and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, mother and her sister Betty Needle.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will take place at the convenience of the family.
Friends wishing to remember Valda R. Hathaway may make memorial contributions to: "The Eastern Star Home" in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.