Esther Stocum
May 5th, 1937 - April 19th, 2026
Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home
WATKINS GLEN-We are heartbroken to share that our beloved mother, grandmother,
and great-grandmother Esther Louise Kenyon Stocum, passed away on Sunday, April
19, 2026, at the age of 88. Born to Hugh and Grace Louise Kenyon on May 5, 1937,
Mom grew up in Canisteo, NY with her brother Ken. Her brother Shirley died at
age two. She loved helping on their farm and took great pride in graduating as
salutatorian of her class. She watched the Hornell Dodgers play baseball in the
1950’s. Later, she became a lifelong NY Yankees fan. After getting married, Mom
moved to Corning, NY where she and our father began careers at Ingersoll Rand
and started a family. In 1959 they moved to Watkins Glen, NY, where Mom would
live the rest of her life as the Best Mom and Grandma Ever.
It is hard to fully capture what an extraordinary mother she was. In 1973, she
lost both of her parents one month apart. Around the same time, she became a
single parent of her six children ages 3 to 15. She faced these challenges with
remarkable strength, grace and resilience. For the rest of our childhood, she
worked two and sometimes three jobs to provide for us. She worked for Schuyler
County then Schuyler Hospital and was a favorite waitress at Savard’s,
Scuteri’s, Chef’s, and most recently at Curly’s Restaurant. Although she juggled
relentless work schedules, our busy school schedules, and unreliable
transportation, she never missed a game, concert, or important moment in our
lives. Everything she did was for us, she never put herself first. Growing up,
on the outside it may have looked like we did not have much but on the inside we
were millionaires because of the love, support, and unwavering dedication of our
brave, sweet, strong, funny, beautiful mother.
Mom encouraged us to work hard, be honest, respect others, and help those in
need. She never said no to helping us or anyone else. She was honored to be
named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, and we are proud to have followed her example
in becoming upstanding citizens in our communities As adults, it has been a joy
to watch her surround her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the same
strength, integrity, and love.
Mom taught us to enjoy life! She loved cooking, gardening, watching all sports,
playing Euchre, gambling with her girlfriends, and spending time with family.
She watched her grandchildren in the summer and took them swimming then treated
them to ice cream. They loved her potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Her
spaghetti and meatballs and peanut butter fudge were favorites for all. Her
home, stocked with pasta, cookies and jigsaw puzzles, was always open to any of
us. She was in her element presiding over family gatherings, especially during
the holidays; we often wondered if she slept during the Christmas season. There
was never a dull moment with Mom. She was the heart of our family, always
smiling, supportive, and so very generous.
To say Mom will be missed is an understatement. Her legacy lives on through her
grateful and loving family. She is survived by her six children and their
spouses: Teri and Phil Baccile, Wendy and Craig Cheplick, Don and Brenda Stocum,
Darrin and Susanne Stocum, Susie and Jim Chaffee, Jim and Becky Stocum. She
cherished her grandchildren Chrissy, Jason, Katey, Rachel and Nat, Sarah, Claire
and Will, Ethan and Katey, and Eli and her great-grandchildren Madyson, Kamryn,
Cadyn, Mia, Natalie, and the newest addition, Margot Esther. Mom also had
several special nieces, nephews, and friends. The friendships she cultivated in
the WG community are too many to name.
We welcome you to join us at the Seneca Lake Events Center at 586 East 4th St.
in Watkins Glen, NY to celebrate our mother’s life on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at
1:00-4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Watkins Glen
Sports Booster Club, 303 12th St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or your local food
bank. A special thank you to Sherri Kelly, Schuyler County Ambulance, Schuyler
Hospital, and all of the medical staff and first responders that helped us care
for Mom as her health declined. Her family was grateful for the opportunity to
care for her at home surrounding her with love and comfort in her final years
with the dignity and respect she so richly deserved. We love her more than words
can say and will carry her with us always.
The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting our family.
Publication date: April 29th, 2026