Obituary of Elsie Mae Haskins

Elsie Mae Haskins, 94 of Minoa passed away Friday, at Eastern Star Home in Oriskany, N.Y. She was born February 20th, 1919 in Syracuse the daughter of the late Willoughby and Ada Bedwell. She was a lifelong member of the Eastwood Baptist Church, a 75 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Onondaga Lodge 144. Elsie was a Past Matron and State District Deputy. She was a graduate of Syracuse Normal School (Syracuse University). Elsie retired as a school teacher from Westhill School District with over 30 years of teaching. She was predeceased by her husband James J. Haskins; daughter; Barbara Devendorf; sister: Florence Burlee. Survived by son: James D. Haskins and his wife Janet of Minoa; son in law Ross Devendorf and his partner Deb Carhart of Old Forge; grandchildren: Jennifer Haskins of Glens Falls, Colleen Lafrenz and her husband Clayton of Orlando, Florida; Christopher Devendorf and his wife Cindy of Latham, NY; Bridget Donovan of Tampa, Florida; Andrea Dellich and her husband Jason of Minoa. Great-grandchildren: Abigail, Alexander, Nora, Meghan, Brian, Amy, Kieran, Sachi. She loved teaching and provided a warm, inviting and structured atmosphere for the children in her elementary classes. She often was assigned the more challenging students and seemed able to increase their interest, participation and ability to learn. Elsie was devoted to her family and provided a loving home environment while raising her children. Later, one of her favorite activities for many years was cheering on her grandchildren at their sports events, attending so many she became "Grandma" to the whole team. Elsie had a lifelong love for animals and shared that with her students and her family. There never was a stray she didn't take in. Elsie also volunteered for many years in many capacities for Eastwood Baptist Church, The American Legion, and Eastern Star. Because of her passion and love Elsie provided and prepared spaghetti suppers at the American Legion, Fish Dinners on Friday nights for Eastern Star and the weekly Ministers Breakfast which she prepared for over 10 years. The Family would like to thank the caregivers that allowed Elsie to remain in her home and the McDonald's unit staff of Eastern Star Home for such wonderful care. Services and calling hours will be held Tuesday, August 20th in Eastwood Baptist Church, 3212 James Street, Syracuse. Calling hours will be from 4:00 - 6:30, followed by and Eastern Star Service at 6:30 and a funeral service at 7:00. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, August 21st at 10:00 am in Minoa Methodist cemetery. Online condolences at Shepardsonfh.com In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Elsie B. Haskins to Eastern Star Campus, 8290 State Route 69, PO Box959, Oriskany, New York 13424