Anne Marie Whittum
Anne Marie Whittum, age 95, died peacefully on March 8, at Elderwood at Uihlein in Lake Placid. Anne was born on June 27, 1929 to Francis and Louise Disotell of Tupper Lake. Anne and her five sisters spent their childhood in a Park Street home across from Shaheen’s Market. Anne was a life-long member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, and she was a 1949 graduate of Holy Ghost Academy.
Anne met her future husband, Sanford Whittum, while working in Coreys for Mrs. Ecklund at Indian Spring Camp (later to become Cold River Ranch). She also enjoyed working in retail, with her first such job at Ginsburg’s Department Store in Tupper Lake. Anne later returned to working in retail after raising her family, working at McCurdy’s Department Store in Rochester.
Anne’s married life brought her to several new places as she followed her husband’s job changes. They began married life in New York City and had their first child, Stephanie. They moved to Schenectady where their daughter Muriel was born. Another move brought them to Utica where their son Kinsley was born. After living many more years in both Syracuse and Rochester, Sandy and Anne retired to Coreys in 1989 to enjoy the beauty and solitude of Hiawatha Lodge, on Stony Creek Pond. Anne spent her final year and half at Saranac Village at Will Rogers a retirement community where she enjoyed socializing and puzzling with friends.
Anne had an active social circle and enjoyed time with her female friends. She occasionally had the opportunity to travel, which was special to her. She was an avid knitter and a determined puzzler. She enjoyed planting and tending flowers each year and maintaining a memory garden dedicated to her daughter, who passed too young at age 48.
Anne is survived by daughter Muriel Hesler and husband Michael Whitney of Silver Spring, Maryland; and son Kinsley Whittum and wife MarySue of Webster, grandchildren: Rebecca Rabel, Anna Gruettner, Christopher O’Sullivan, Sanford Hesler, Kimberly Springer, Lisa Sternick, Nicole Whittum, Michelle Whittum and Kory Whittum. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren; Sarah and Evan Rabel; Charlie and Samantha Gruettner; Peyton and Sage Sternick; Eleanora Springer and George Hesler.
Anne was predeceased by her husband Sanford in 2014 and her daughter Stephanie in 2001.
Calling hours will be held at Frary Funeral Home, 24 Cliff Ave., Tupper Lake from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21. A Funeral Mass will follow at St. Alphonsus Church at 2 p.m. with Father Paul Kelly officiating. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Anne to the Tupper Lake Food Pantry, 40 Marion St., Tupper Lake, NY 12986. A graveside service and interment will take place at Coreys Cemetery, at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com/obituaries.