| Date of Birth | November 18, 1940 |
| Date Deceased | November 12, 2023 |
| Hometown | Bath |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | November 17, 2023 |
| Service Time | 2 p.m. |
| Service Location | Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport |
Lela May (Day) Brown
BATH – Lela D. Brown passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday (November 12, 2023) after suffering a long-term illness.
She was born November 18, 1940 in the old Bath Hospital to Lynn and Dorothea Day of Wayne, N.Y. Lela was a 1958 graduate of Hammondsport Central School. It was on July 23, 1960 that she married the love of her life, Howard E. Brown, and ultimately they raised a family and built their forever home in Bath, NY.
Music held a special place in Lela’s heart and she and Howard traveled far and wide just to go dancing, especially square dancing. She made sure she shared this love with her kids and grandkids as well. It was her gardens and lawn that brought the most leisure and pleasure at home.
Lela had several jobs in her community working at; W.T. Grants Co., the Hammondsport School District, Mercury Aircraft Inc., WEKT radio station in Bath, before going to work at the Bath VA where she continued to work until her retirement. After retiring Lee continued working and volunteering in her community. She served several years on the Credit Committee of the then VAC Employees Federal Credit Union. She was an active member of the local NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees). Lee even went back to work at the Bath Central School and the Arrowhead Creek Golf Course in Wayne, NY.
Lela was predeceased by her parents and a brother-in-law, James Allen. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Howard; two sons, Robert (Bonnie) Brown and Ryan (Vanessa) Brown of Bath, NY and daughter, Robyn (Terry) Wilkins of Corfu, NY. Her five grandchildren; Stephania (John) Wallace of Wallace, NY, Amber (Joe) O’Conner of Christiansburg, VA., Justin (Karen) Brown of Atlanta, GA., Ashley (Adam) Brown of Salem, VA, and Aaron (Capri) Wilkins of Corfu, NY; her eight great grandchildren; Ainsley, Grayson, Liam, Patryk, Brenik, Kian, Cormac and Everett; her daughter- in-law Christina Brown of Bath, NY; a brother, David (Joan) Day of Bull Head City, AZ; sisters, Linda(Lyn) Longwell of Waterloo, NY and Judy Allen of Tyrone, NY; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A special thank you is extended from the family and friends to the staff of Elderwood Nursing Home for the loving care that Lela received during her stay there.
Funeral arrangements have been made with the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT, NY 14840 where calling hours will be on Friday (November 17, 2023) from 11am – 2pm with funeral services to immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to the New York State Troopers Foundation Signal 30 Fund which supports trooper’s families in times of tragic events. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE NYS TROPEERS SIGNAL BENEFIT FUND, IN CARE OF PBA OF NYS TROOPERS SIGNAL 30 BENEFIT FUND, 48 HOWARD ST., ALBANY, NY 12207.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Lela’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Lela are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
Howard so sorry for your loss.
Severina Weeks
Howard, Lew and I were so sorry to hear of Lela’s passing. She was a wonderful friend who thought of everyone in their time of need. We will miss her terribly.
My sweet Lela. How my heart broke that day. It was my absolute honor caring for you. You were always so kind and sweet. Howard I am so sorry for your loss. The love you showed Lela was something you only see in a fairytale these days. We love you Howard just as much as Lela.
Howard, l’m so sorry for your loss. I was reading the Shopper this morning and couldn’t believe what I was reading. Haven’t seen you in awhile, hope you’re doing ok
Lyle