Margaret L. Stearns

Margaret Louise Stearns, age 89, passed away January 4, 2010, at Wellsville Manor Care Center . She was the eldest daughter of Merritt and Ruth Huganir Davis. Born September 14, 1920, she attended 'country' school in Fremont through 8th grade and graduated from Hornell High School at sixteen with majors in math and French, life long interests. She completed post graduate course work in business at Arkport Central School , and graduated from Hornell Business School in 1939. After graduation, she accepted a position at the Hornell Tribune in the classified department. She met her husband-to-be, Judson Stearns, when he was placing and ad for his poultry business. They resided in Alfred Station for 62 years.

Margaret grew up in Stephens Mills where she enjoyed attending and working in the Methodist Church . Her other activities included clog dancing with friends at special events and going on adventures with her 'gang'. From an early age, she enjoyed singing and met her desire for travel and adventure through reading. Margaret continued to sing and clog in the comfort of her home, to the delight of her family

Above all things, Margaret was a nurturing and loving person: At a young age, she assisted her grandparents and provided care and support for her younger siblings and neighbors' children, as well. As an adult, she also nurtured and guided the children of friends and international students, and welcomed teenagers into her and Jud's house when they needed a home. She enjoyed visits from family through all her married life and time to talk to friends. In her last three years, she also enjoyed attention from loving caregivers at Manor Hills and Wellsville Manor Care Center .

Margaret worked for 53 years in the family business, Stearns Poultry Farm. She helped her husband in all parts of the poultry business and in Stearns Little Red Hen, and did most of the bookkeeping for the family businesses. She assisted her son Judd when he took over the business and loved working part time until her retirement at 78.

Margaret was a member of the Union University Church in Alfred. Over the course of many years, she taught Sunday school, served on various boards, and worked as the financial secretary, always enjoying her church family immensely. She was also active in Canacadea Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and Baker's Bridge Historical Society. As a young mother, she participated in Alfred Almond's PTA and remained involved in her children's education from 1951 until 1973.

She is survived by her four children: Janice (David) Porter of Wellsville, NY, Linda (Sam) Conner of Lafayette, IN, Pat (Steve) Cole of Bloomington, IN, and Judd (Mary) Stearns of Alfred Station, NY; six grandchildren: Caitilin (Alan) Dewey, Jessica Ormsby, Jeremy (Liz) Stearns, Christopher (Jennifer) Conner, Rachel(David Rhodes) Cole, and Colin Cole; six great grandchildren: Ben and Madeliene Dewey, Jaci and DJ Ormsby, Lucas Stearns, and Emmaline Conner; and two siblings: Ward (Helen) Davis of Vestal, NY and Richard (Mary Lou )Davis of Elma, NY.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jud Stearns Sr.; one grandchild, Brigid Porter; one great grandchild, Jamie Ormsby; and three siblings: George W. Davis, Marian Davis, and Bruce Davis.

A memorial service for Margaret will be held Sunday, January 31 at 2 PM at the Union University Church in Alfred with Rev. Laurie DeMott officiating. A graveside service and interment of Margaret's ashes will be held Saturday, May 22 in Alfred Rural Cemetery . Friends may make memorial contributions to Union University Church, 29 Main Street, Alfred, NY 14802.



Arrangements are entrusted to Robertson Funeral Home 354 Canisteo St. Hornell, NY.

To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com . The family is being assisted by Adam E. DuBois, Director.