T. Gunning, Harriette

Harriette T. Gunning of 454 Harvey Hill Road, Trumansburg passed away unexpectedly at the Cayuga Medical Center on Monday, December 30, 2002 at the age of 80.

Born on April 10, 1922 in Ithaca, New York, Harriette was the daughter of Harold and Ruth VanDusen Teeter. She graduated as salutatorian of the Trumansburg High School's Class of 1941.

Harriette was employed at the Tompkins County Hospital, for 25 years, before retiring in 1985. She was a dedicated employee but her true labor of love was the care and nurturing of her family. Harriette seemed to be creating wonderful home-cooked meals and baking mouth-watering cookies and treats constantly. She set her table for everyone who happened to be around the farm at mealtimes and because of her accepting and generous manner there were always several extra plates to fill.

At family gatherings Harriette was active in all aspects of the fun, from playing board games and volleyball to taking a position on the softball field. She was proud of her children and was very pleased when they all showed up for family reunions. In turn, the children and grandchildren grew to know that Harriette's devotion to them would bring her to every birthday party, school function and sporting event that involved a family member. This forgiving woman of endless patience, kind-heartedness and unwavering support will always hold a place in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Harriette was preceded in death by a son, Donald and a brother, Richard Teeter. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60+ years, David K. Gunning of Trumansburg; three daughters, Jeanne (Stan) Chapman of Alpine, Kate (Art) Stilwell of Interlaken and Mary (Don) Crippen of Odessa; two sons, James (Martha) Gunning and Doug (Debbie) Gunning all of Trumansburg; twenty grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Linda Gunning of Trumansburg; three brothers, Harry (Freda) Teeter of Florida, Donald (Velma) Teeter of Ithaca and Pat (Scotty) Teeter of Maryland; two sisters, Helen (Keith) VanDerzee of Trumansburg and Margaret Fait of Minnesota; three sisters-in-law, Mary VanDerzee and Harriet I. Gunning both of Trumansburg and Margaret Gunning of Burdett and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Cayutaville Methodist Church on Friday, January 3, 2003 at 1:00 pm with the Rev. E. Jack Osburn officiating. The family will be present to receive their friends at a luncheon in the church hall immediately following the service.

Contributions in Harriette's memory may be directed to the Cayutaville Methodist Church, 3231 County Rt. 6, Alpine, NY 14805 or to the First Baptist Church of Enfield Center, 174 Enfield Main Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. Additional information may be obtained from the funeral home by calling 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director