Cleo M. Stillman – of Arkport, died early Monday morning (September 14, 2015).

Born in Buffalo, NY on April 21, 1933, she was the daughter of William & Mary Catherine (Greene) Doering.

Cleo grew up in Buffalo and was a graduate of  Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart (class of1951).  She later graduated from Sister DeMaralek School of Nursing.

She moved to the Hornell area in the late 1950’s and, throughout the years, had been employed as a waitress for several area restaurants including the Beacon Inn, Ponce DeLeon Restaurant, Arkport Inn, Big Elms Restaurant, Hornell Country Club, Lone Gable and RX’s 60-40 Southside.

Cleo had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.   She enjoyed being a homemaker, was a great cook.  Her kitchen was always warm with music, good friends, good food & drink and now those good, good memories will always remain and we will reminisce and smile! She enjoyed crafts and also loved to decorate her home — especially for the holiday seasons. What a talent she possessed.

Cleo had a deep love of animals and throughout the years raised several dogs & cats and was always willing to take in a “stray”.  She found such comfort and peace in her love of all animals, large & small.  She had an appreciation for music and possessed a beautiful singing voice, but was hesitant in sharing her gift in public.  Cleo was a loyal Buffalo Bills Football fan and New York Yankees Baseball fan. 

She was extremely proud of her Scottish – Irish heritage and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her infectious laughter. How intelligent she was and how she enjoyed dressing well and “fixing-up,” for sure!
 
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Bridget Bannen Smith; her dear friend, Sharon Perkins and so, so many friends that God has welcomed home before her.  Now, welcome Cleo – what a beautiful, loving and fun gathering that will be! The Heavens will be rumbling!

Surviving are several cousins, including her caregivers, Kathleen, Jake & Addi Updyke; several nieces & nephews.  Her “extended family” includes her many friends in the Hornell community as well as some special friends at Hornell Gardens.  Also Fr. Peter — what a kind man.  Cleo loved his hearty laughter and his fancy sandals.

At Cleo’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church on a day and time to be announced. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Cleo, you certainly have been welcomed & rewarded by God into Heaven and all of your loved ones that have gone before you are now there to greet you.  Your dues have been paid in full.  There are no words that can express our sadness that you departure has left us.  How important you are and how much you will be missed.  BUT THIS IS ABOUT YOUR TRIP TO A BETTER PLACE & NOT ABOUT US.  So, until we meet again, “May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand”.  With the greatest love, respect & admiration, we say “good-bye” for now to you, Cleo, FOREVER YOUNG!

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Cleo’s family would like to thank the Hornell Ambulance drivers as well as the wonderful E.R. doctors & nurses and the
2nd floor nurses at St. James Mercy Hospital for the wonderful care given to her.  May God bless you all!  Also, Cleo says “Thank-You Butterscotch”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.