Mary Ellen (Tobey) Heslop

MARY ELLEN HESLOP

Mary Ellen Heslop, 95, peacefully passed away on Monday, June26, 2023, at The Grand nursing home in Rome, NY.  Formerly of Newfield, NY, she is predeceased by her high school sweetheart and loving husband of almost 70 years John Albert (Al) Heslop; sisters Gladys (Harp) Wilcox, Marie (Richard) Lacy, and Leah (Jack) Switzer.

She is survived by her beloved family, 5 sons, Robert, John (Elizabeth), Henry  (Liz), Steve, and Timothy; 2 daughters, Melanie (Anthony) Pelerossi, and Melinda; 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.  She is also survived her sister, Nancy (Ken) Wasmund, and brother Gene  (Marion) Tobey.

Mary Ellen was a devoted mother and wife, homemaker, seamstress, volunteer, nurse and could always be found ringside at horse shows, and on the sidelines at all sporting events that her children participated in.  She was a teacher who led by example.  She worked as an LPN at Tompkins County Hospital and at Newfield Central School in the Head Start program.

All her children rise up and bless her with honor and hold her in high esteem for all the years of her unselfish giving to them.

As she grew older she developed Alzheimer’s and could not care for herself.  Her husband selflessly cared for her until he was unable to do so at which time he entrusted her care to her loving children.  Even in her declining mental state she continuously said “I love you.”  Our mother was shining example of the rare Proverbs 31 woman.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Perkins funeral home of Dryden, NY.  A private celebration of life will be held with immediate family at a future date.