Condolences to Larry on the loss of his mother:
LaVonne M. English
August 11, 2009 LaVonne M. English, 83, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2009, at her home in Manlius following a lengthy illness. The daughter of Harry Tupper and Beatrice (Mathison) Tupper, she was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 14, 1926, but spent most of her childhood in Malone, NY. Vonnie met her husband Robert in Syracuse in 1946; Bob predeceased her in 1998 after 52 years of marriage. Vonnie was also predeceased by her sons, Robert and Bradley; and her grandson, Wesley Harridge. Her early career was spent working in the advertising department at the Addis Company and E. W. Edwards department stores. The responsibility of raising a family caused Vonnie to "retire" from advertising in the early 1950s. In 1962, she returned to the work force and began a 25-year career at Dey Brothers Department Store as a copy writer and layout artist. Her advertising work was the recipient of numerous Clio awards. She maintained lifelong friendships with many of her coworkers. In 1987, Vonnie entered retirement for real, spending time with her family, playing bridge several times a week, caring for infirmed friends and volunteering at her church. Vonnie was a lover of the arts and a lifelong painter and watercolorist who produced many works of art adorning the walls of family and friends. She was a member and officer of the Onondaga Art Guild (OAG) and the Cazenovia Watercolor Society. Into her 80's Vonnie continued to attend art workshops every year to perfect her artistic technique. She loved her church, St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Manlius, where she was a member, supporter and avid volunteer for over 40 years. Surviving: her sister, Mary (Tupper) Roth of Webster; sons, Jonathan English of Syracuse, Kevin (Helen) English of Ithaca, Larry English of Manlius, Steven (Teresa) English of Fayetteville; daughters, Karen English of Ithaca and Laura (David Powers) Harridge of LaFayette; grandchildren, Bryan English, Carolyn English, Scott (Larissa) English, Quincy English, Patrick English, Joshua Robarge, Andrew Robarge, Justin (Michelle) English and Lindsey English. Funeral Services: A Mass of celebration of Vonnie's life will be held on Monday, August 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Church, 104 Academy St., Manlius; burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery on Salt Springs Road in Chittenango immediately following the funeral. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Newell-Fay Funeral Home, 8171 Cazenovia Rd. (Rt. 92), Manlius. For directions, local florists, or a guestbook, please visit www.SCHEPPFAMILY.com NEWELL-FAY Manlius 682-5300
Published in Syracuse Post Standard on August 14, 2009
