Obituary of Martha M. Vance

GREENVILLE – Martha M. Vance, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday May 18, 2015. She was born on July 7, 1922 to the late Homer and Ada Pierce Palmer in New Baltimore. Martha was a lifelong Greene County resident and a graduate of GCS. During WWII, she worked at the Watervliet Arsenal as a machine operator. She worked as a waitress in many seasonal resorts, such as Colonial Manor and Balsam Shade. Martha also had a temporary job during tax season at NYS Tax and Finance in the early 70's. She participated in the senior lunch program at Hiawatha Grange, and served for over 20 years as a senior companion through the Greene County Department for Aging. Martha was a longtime member of the Grapeville Baptist Church, having both taught Sunday school and served as the financial secretary for many years. She is survived by her daughters, Lynnda (Rafael) Capellan and Suzanne M. Downs; her grandsons, William Crewell Jr. and Benjamin (Irene) Crewell; her great grandson, Quinton Crewell; and many nieces and nephews. Martha is predeceased by her husband, Frank D. Vance; by her sons, Laurance R. Vance and Thomas D. "Tucker" Vance; and by all her siblings, Esther Van Valkenburg, Donald Palmer, Dorothy Blenis, Shirley Finn, and Homer Palmer. Martha has been cremated privately. A graveside service will be Thursday, May 28, at 2 p.m. in the Greenville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations either to the Grapeville Baptist Church or to a charity dear to your heart. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.