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Mary Catherine Talbett-Mapes
FRIENDSHIP - On Aug. 12, 2010, Mary Catherine Talbett-Mapes of 2 Linwood Ave. went on to meet her maker and to join with family and friends.
She was born on Feb. 26, 1920, to Halcyon and Julia Talbett in Canaseraga. At age 5, her family moved to Friendship, where her father was the superintendent of Allegany County Highways. Except for a few years during World War II when her husband, Allen, worked in War Production in Rochester, she lived most her life in Friendship.
Mary graduated from Friendship Central School and attended Buffalo State College, Alfred University and Geneseo State College. With a degree in education, Mary taught school in Friendship, Scio, Cuba, Belmont and at the Allegany County Board of Cooperative Education.
She was a homemaker, president of the Friendship PTA, a Red Cross coordinator, a literacy volunteer, a member of the Eastern Star, treasurer of her church, Cub Scout den mother, writer of several books on poetry and prose, and loved fishing and camping.
With her late husband, Ethan Allen Mapes II, they formed a work-study program for the vocational school and supervised many students through home and careers skills. In her retirement, Mary worked for the Friendship Free Library to help improve the reading skills of children and adults and was a life member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association.
She was a 55-year member of the United Methodist Church and entered the Mrs. New York State Contest to win bonds and other awards for her church and community.
Mary traveled extensively, visiting Europe, Canada and many of the 50 states, using the travels to visit family and friends.
Owning and reforesting 48 acres of land on East Hill, Friendship, she and her family practiced soil and water conservation. Planting 40,000 trees and other plants which have turned Dineen Road into a model forest preserve. Working with Allegany County foresters, she and her familiy developed a balanced land project for both soft and hardwoods, including ponds, firebreaks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Her home, on Linwood Avenue, was always open to friends and family. She was an award-winning housewife, flower arranger and gardener.
Surviving are five children, Patricia A. (Ted) Nelson, of Northfield, VT, George E. (Jolene) Mapes of Apalachin, David S. (Ellen) Mapes, of Dansville, Sue A. (Sharon Ganje) Mapes, of Sequim, Wa., and W.A. Henry A. (Colleen) Mapes, of Campbell; a daughter-in-law, Florence H. Mapes of Jeffersonville, VT; 14 grandchildren, Julia Mapes-Lane, Pamela Mapes-Pelligrino, Stephen Needle, Elizabeth Needle-Morgan, Lawrence Needle, Gregory Needle, Kara Mapes-Trenchrard, Jason Mapes, Christopher Mapes, Carrie Mapes-Owen, Andrew Mapes, Matthew Mapes, Rachel Mapes and Victoria Mapes; 18 great-grandchildren; and two nephews, Leslie John Haff of Vacaville, CA, and Michael Talbett, of Lake Zarich, IL.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, a son, Ethan Allen III, and a brother, Joseph S. Talbett.
Mary is leaving behind dear friends and her church family in Friendship whose company and care have carried her through months of illness.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm August 21 in the Friendship United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dr. James W. Stevens, pastor of the Dansville United Methodist Church, will officiate. Internment will be in Until the Day Dawn Cemetery, Angelica, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friendship United Methodist Church, Main Street, 14739.
Arrangement are under the direction of the Truesdell Funderal Home, Friendship.
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