Anna M. Perry — AKA “The Avon Lady” — mother, grandmother, friend, Avon lady, bargain hunter and card player, of 39 Scott St., was called to walk with her Lord on Friday (December 30, 2011), while a resident at Hornell Gardens.
She was born in Mileses, NY on August 24, 1934, the youngest of three children, to the late William and Johanna (Winkler) Brown.
On June 8, 1957, she was married to Carl M Perry of Susquehanna, PA, who died in 1982, after 24 years of devoted marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother James Brown.
Ann was born on the family farm in Mileses, NY. She graduated from Delaware Valley Central School in Callicoon, NY and was employed at the Woolworth and Broome Tech in Binghamton, NY before moving to Hornell. She also worked at Westinghouse in Bath before finding her lifelong career as the local Avon Lady. Ann loved serving the people in the Hornell area and loved Avon so much that even in her final days she was directing orders from her hospital bed! She was employed for 52 years as an Avon Lady and has earned many awards and trips for her sales.
She was a member of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell and a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Ladies of Columbus, several card clubs and Lady Bugs (Red Hats).
Ann was a loving mother, grandmother and friend. Her dedication to spoiling her grandchildren was unmatched — from making them “eggs with the tops cut off” and sugary treats to playing games with them on the floor. She also loved hosting huge holiday gatherings, getting bargains at area sales, radio auctions and watching Wheel of Fortune.
Her family includes two sons James (Mindy) Perry of Hartsville, and Joe (Taresa) Perry of Brockport; a daughter, Kathleen (Eric) Burton of Addsion; her sister and brother-in-law Freda and Christopher Farrell of Binghamton; sister-in-law Edith Brown of Callicoon; 9 grandchildren, Noah, Seth, Jonah and Selah Burton of Addison, Myriah, Corbin, Westin & Teegan Perry of Hartsville, and Elijah Perry of Brockport; 4 step-grandchildren, Laura, Kristen and William Wilson of Brockport, & Kyle Burton of Smethport, Pa; and two step-great-granddaughters, Josclyn & Isabelle Underwood of Brockport; also her nieces, nephews and cousins, including a very special neice, Faith Brown of Binghamton, NY. Ann also leaves long-time friends Angelo & Marguerite Gentile and Joan Brown, all of Hornell.
She was also blessed by many special friends and Scott Street neighbors who helped her in too many ways to mention. The comforting care provided by Dr. Whelpley and Hornell Gardens was a great comfort to her and her family.
Ann’s family would love her friends and customers to join us in celebrating her life. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Joe, Jim and Kathy- I was very saddened to read of your moms passing. As I read your moms obituary I had a smile on my face when I read about the eggs with the tops cut off as when we came to visit Joe would have his two soft-boiled eggs with the tops cut off and she would cut the toast in strips for dunking! Please know that I loved her as I do all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Shannon
Jim, Joe and Kathy
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your Mother. We have many fond memories of the times we shared with your Mother and Father.
I was so sad today to hear your wonderful Mom had passed away. I just rode by the house 3 nights ago..and was sad to see it dark, as I knew she was in the nursing home..and I thought I need to go and visit her. She was a wonderful person and friend and she would phone me at work, to remind me my “order was ready”… I will miss her voice and in life, we always expect certain people to be around forever..and Ann was one of those wonderful people. She supported our card parties and was such a joy. May God comfort you all in your loss…prayers. I have to work both jobs on Wed…but hoping I can zoom in to the funeral home between them. Love and prayers….Kim Clifford Wood…and family.
Jim, Joe and Kathy – So very sorry to hear about your loss of your mom. We remember so well our Christmas Eves together. All that food!
She was a wonderful lady. In the difficult times in the weeks to come, I hope you’ll be able to call upon those memories and smile.
With deepest sympathy, Robert & Barbara
Jim, Kathy & Joe,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom passing away.
I enjoyed coming over and talking with her she was such a giving person.
I will miss the light on in her home.
With sympathy, Suzanne
I consider it a priviledge and honor to have known Ann since I was just a little girl. I remember her coming to my house as I was growing up, my mom started a collection of all the different animals that came with Sweet Honesty in them for me. And… those same animals are all on my dresser today!! And one very funny memory about Avon – when I was a senior in high school, the guy I was dating wanted to get me Sweet Honesty perfume for Christmas because he knew that was what I wore and he looked all over for it, not knowing that you couldn’t buy it in the store. Who knew then that I would become one of Ann’s sellers many many years later. I have so enjoyed my relationship with Ann and she always supported my girls in their many times of selling things over the years. Ann, you will never be forgotten and to all her family, thank you for sharing her with me!!!! God Bless you all!!!
We were sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have memories of her at church and traveling around town with her Avon business. She was a great lady who will be missed. The Cheresnowsky’s are keeping you in our thoughts.
Our family has so many loving memories of Ann that I wouldn’t know where to start! The boys, John and I will always remember her kindness, sense of humor and generosity (to name just a few of her many attributes). It makes me smile to know that she and Carl are reunited and have probably already hosted their first card party. She was a great friend and neighbor and she will truly be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.