Obituaries

Cecile Conklin Mapes of 23 Walnut Street, Moravia, New York (formally of Scipio Center, NY) died on Wednesday, November 29, 2006. Cecile was born October 1, 1922 in Cuba, New York, on a small dairy farm that fully deserved its “hard scrabble” description. She was the daughter of the late Monroe Conklin and Mabel (Nottingham) Conklin of Cuba, New York.

Survivors include son Alan (Charlene) of Delmar, New York; daughters Penney (William) Cook of Aurora, New York and Sheila (Leigh) Mapes-English of Chesterfield, Missouri; brother Gordon Conklin of Ithaca, New York; six grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband Chester Mapes, a brother Howard Conklin of Ithaca, and a sister Doris Logan of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Cecile’s formal education began at a one-room schoolhouse, one-half mile from home – a pleasant walk on some days, but difficult in winter. She worked hard at school and at home to support the determination of her parents to see their four children graduate from college. Graduating from Cuba High School as class salutatorian at age 15, Cecile attended the State Teachers College at Buffalo, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She was then eligible to teach Home Economics, and did so at Castile, New York.

Her next stop was Cornell University, where she worked in the Admissions Office of the College of Agriculture. There she met and married Chester P. Mapes of Newburgh, New York in 1950. Cecile and Chester started a farming career on a small dairy and fruit farm near Victor, New York, later moved to a larger dairy farm in Cayuga County south of Auburn.

In addition to the many tasks of being a farm wife and mother, Cecile found time for her passions of gardening, poetry, literature and enjoying nature. Cecile was active with Roundabout Club, Southern Cayuga and Moravia Garden Clubs, and the Scipioville Presbyterian Church. She worked for Cayuga County Cooperative Extension for a time, substitute taught at Southern Cayuga Schools, and taught classes on furniture upholstering and wreath-making. In recent years, Cecile lived in Moravia and continued to enjoy life, especially time with family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Scipioville Church on December 10th at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Scipioville Presbyterian Church.