In Memoriam

Betty Cowan Pash, 78, of Hillcrest, died suddenly after a short illness, Monday, June 12, 2017. She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, George H. Pash IV, and her sister Beverly Salamy. She was born September 5, 1938, in Masonville, NY, to Donald and Lucile Cowan, and moved to Nimmonsburg as a child. She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Pash Boyington (Wayne), her son George Timothy Pash (Juliana); and grandchildren Adam, Jay, Elena, Calvin, and Hannah. Betty was a long-time resident of Hillcrest where she lived for the last 52 years. She graduated from Binghamton North High School and worked as a teacher at Nimmonsburg Elementary School, administrator at Stanford Seed Company, and as a U.S. Postal delivery-person during her lifetime. In her younger years she was a bowler, and later she enjoyed playing mahjong and canasta, and socializing with the Binghamton Newcomers Club. Betty loved her family and friends and was happiest surrounded by them all playing a card game. Everyone wanted to be her partner because she always won. She had a special soft spot for all animals and over the years had many much loved pets, including her beloved dog Tiki. Memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be made to the Humane Society, 2 Jackson St., Binghamton, NY 13903.

Margaret “Tweety” Louise Vail, 99, of Binghamton, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2017. She was predeceased by husbands Samuel E. Vail and Donald L. Aylesworth and by her brother, William A. Reynolds. Tweety was born June 28, 1917, in Spencerville, OH, to Wilmer G. Reynolds and Lois (Hirn) Reynolds. She is survived by her many friends and loving nephews Stephen D. Reynolds (Paula) and their daughters Chelsea, Taylor and Stephanie, and Christopher G. Reynolds (Tricia) and their children Jacob and Faith; stepson Samuel W. Vail (Heather); stepdaughters Peggy Vail and Sandy McCaffery; and devoted, loving friend Julie Rogers. Tweety graduated from Bliss Business College in Columbus, OH, in 1937 and was employed by Marine Midland Bank (HSBC) for 42 years as Executive Secretary. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, now United Presbyterian, acting through time as Elder, Deacon, and Trustee. She enjoyed combining a rewarding business career with active participation in community affairs and the needs of others. She was a recipient of the Watrous Bowl for outstanding public service; served as president of Monday Afternoon Club and Phelps Mansion Foundation, vice-president of Broadway Theatre League, and treasurer of National Secretaries Association; volunteered for “Crisis Call”; and was a member of many civic organizations: Junior League of Binghamton, Binghamton Club, Roberson, 1st Committee of Bank Women of NY State (founder), First Women’s Auxiliary of the Opera (charter member), Triple Cities Business and Professional Women’s Club, and Daughters of the American Revolution. Tweety was a TV commentator on WNBG-TV’s “Fashions for Milady,” and shared her devotion to fashion and grooming through seminars at SUNY Broome Community College, IBM, Endicott-Johnson, Workman’s Compensation Office, scout troops, schools, and many local clubs. She held this passion and discipline throughout her entire life. She also gave presentations regarding the secretarial profession to career fairs in local schools and at Job Horizons for Women. She was an avid traveler and bridge player, participating in three clubs through her last year. She was also a photographer, tennis player, and gardener. She adored housewifery and felt her creativity was in her cooking. Through her long career and so many volunteer civic efforts, Tweety developed many friends throughout the community who, with her family, will miss her spirit greatly. The family would like to thank her best friend and confidant, Julie Rogers, for her great care and companionship through the years. They also want to thank Samantha Edwards, Ashley Edwards, Leslie Edwards, Darby Crocker, Margret LaBarr, and Shannon Crocker. Busy, gregarious, happy, lovely, and an inspiration to everyone; that’s our Tweety.