W. Lovelace, Doris

Doris W. Lovelace, 96, of 2504 Mecklenburg Road, died Sunday, September 15th at her home. She was a long time resident of the Town of Enfield, an active member of the Enfield United Methodist Church, and a life member of the Senior Citizens of Enfield.

She was born December 4, 1905 in Elmira, the daughter of Charles R. Wellman and Clara B. Wellman. During many of her school years she lived with her aunt and uncle, Mary A. and Henry H. Goodnow of South New Berlin.
In June 1922 she graduated from South New Berlin High School, and then attended Teacher's Training School in Norwich. She received her Teacher's Certificate in January of 1924. She taught in a two-room school in Mecklenburg and the one-room Rolison Corners School in the Town of Enfield.

Although she spent most of her married life as a homemaker, she worked in a munitions factory in Elmira during World War II. She later taught herself to type and take shorthand dictation and passed a civil service exam to work as a secretary at the Veterans' Affairs Office in the County Office Building in Ithaca.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph A. Lovelace, Sr., who passed away in 1987, after 62 years of marriage; also, 2 brothers, Earl B. Wellman and John C. Wellman, and 2 sons-in-law, Robert M. Wasson and Lawrence F. Lehmann.

She is survived by 3 daughters, Catherine L. Wasson of Poughkeepsie, Mary L. Lehmann and Ruth E. Lovelace, both of Ithaca, and by 2 sons, Ralph A. Lovelace, Jr. (Carol H.) and Eugene A. Lovelace (Mary Jo R.), both of the Town of Enfield. Also surviving her are 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, 3 sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family feels blessed that they were able to keep their mother in her own home during the final years of her life. Her son, Eugene, was her primary caregiver for the final year; her daughter Ruth was with her for the preceding 8 years giving increasing assistance as her health failed.

We cannot adequately express our appreciation for the help and support given over the final year of Doris' life from the Home Care Services of Family & Childrens Service of Ithaca, and during the final months the services of Hospicare. Staff from both agencies gave many hours of loving care and attention and provided much support for the caregivers.

Doris devoted her life to her children and her extended family. Her thoughtfulness and loving care touched the lives of many. She devoted many hours to her favorite hobbies: sewing, quilt-making, crocheting, and oil paintings of still life and outdoor scenes. Her relatives and friends were recipients of most of these creative endeavors. Her flower gardens were also a source of pleasure. When she was no longer able to tend those gardens, her church family provided her with lovely floral arrangements, plants and cards.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 1 o'clock at the Enfield United Methodist Church. The Rev. Robert N. Lovelace of Amazing Grace Fellowship Church of Jacksonville, the Rev. Earl Andrews, former pastor and Scott Moseley, pastor of the Enfield United Methodist Church will officiate. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Enfield United Methodist Church, c/o Irene Hubbell, 18 Rothermich Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850.

The Ness-Sibley Funeral Home of Trumansburg is assisting with arrangements. For questions, please call the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.
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Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director