Obituary of Thomasene Cleveland

WESTFIELD- Thomasene ?Tommy? Cleveland, age 86, of Villa Drive, Westfield, formerly of Horseshoe Bend, Hartfield passed away, Sunday morning, August 12, 2007 in Westfield Memorial Hospital. She was born on February 23, 1921 in Cazenovia, NY a daughter of the late Thomas and Hadassah (Wood) Cleveland. I n her younger years, Tommy lived in Central New York State until moving to the Buffalo area in the early 1950?s. She was a graduate of the University of Buffalo and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Tommy began her teaching career in Tully, NY as an Elementary teacher. At the time of her retirement in 1977, Tommy was the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction for the Kenmore-Tonawanda School District, in suburban Buffalo. Following retirement, Tommy moved to Hartfield, New York where she lived for many years before moving to Westfield. Tommy enjoyed traveling the world and volunteering for the Mayville Senior Citizens, where she was president for many years. She was also passionately committed to the YWCA of Westfield, who honored her with the YWCA?s ?Distinguished Woman of the Year Award? in 2000. Tommy was then honored by the United Senior Council as ?Woman of the Year? in 2004. Survivors include her niece, Maryanne Swan and her husband Harry of Painted Post, NY, her nephew Robert L. Cleveland and his wife Suzanne of Norwich, NY, and her best friend, companion and caregiver, Esther Bernges of Westfield, NY. Besides her parents, Tommy was preceded in death by her sister Marion Canfield, and her brothers Charles and Robert Cleveland. The YWCA of Westfield will be hosting a time of Remembrance for Tommy to be held on Monday evening August 27, 2007 at 7 PM at the YWCA on So. Portage St. in Westfield. Those wishing to attend are urged to contact the YWCA director by phoning 716-326-2011 to make a reservation. Memorials are suggested to the YWCA of Westfield, 56 So. Portage St., Westfield, NY 14787. Funeral arrangement assistance is by the MASON FUNERAL HOME, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY 14787.