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Mary E. Milliner, of Hornell

HORNELL-Mary E. Milliner, 87, of North Main St., passed away, in the presence of her loving family, on Sunday evening (Dec. 11, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, after a long illness.

Born in Geneva, N.Y. on Christmas Day in1928, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Emma (VanCleaf) Gilmore. On Nov. 2, 1946 she was married in Hartford, Conn. to Calvin M. Milliner, Sr., who predeceased her on Apr. 10, 2014, after 67 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her son, Rodney Earl Milliner of Georgia on Dec. 24, 2014; her granddaughter, Jacqueline Milliner; her two sisters, Dorothea Cade and Minnie Garrett also her two brothers, Charles Gilmore, Jr. and Donald Gilmore.

A former resident of Hartford, Conn., Mary has resided in Hornell since about 1947. She first became employed with the Cornell Cooperative Extension before she established Milliner’s Fantasy Isle, a craft store, located originally on River Street and eventually moved to Main Street in Hornell. Mary also owned and operated the first Thrift Store in Hornell which was also located on Main Street. At one time she was employed as a type setter for The Evening Tribune. Before her retirement she was employed in several different capacities with the Hornell Housing Authority.

For many years Mary was involved with the Green Thumb Program at the Hornell Senior Citizen Center and was instrumental in creating the “Vial of Life,” a program that allows individuals to have their complete medical information readily available in their homes for emergencies. She also was involved with the USDA Summer Food Program.

Mary was an active member and former co-president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Cpl. J.J. Mooney VFW Post No. 2250 in Hornell. She also volunteered her time with the Girl Scouts and the Campfire Girls as well as hosting an exchange student and providing a home for several foster children.

An accomplished poet, she was the author of several poems throughout the years and recently had one published. Mary enjoyed playing cards and doing crafts; she especially loved to travel so that she could spend time with her family.

She dedicated her life to her family and was most proud of being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

Her loving family includes her only living brother, William “Skip” Gilmore of Hartford, Conn.; her seven children, Calvin M. Milliner, Jr. of Jamestown, Dennis Edward Milliner of Hornell, Ellen (Frank) Nelson of Hornell, Theresa M. Milliner of Hornell, Martha A. Milliner (Miriam “Mimi” Tannenbaum) of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Joseph G. Milliner of Hornell and Karen D. Milliner(Wannetta Trotter) of Green Island, N.Y.; her 18 grandchildren, Alan Lester, Matthew (Atiya) Milliner, Icelynn Milliner, Shawn Clemons, Joseph Clemons, Monti Sell, Farrell (Mike) Monaghan, Phillip Nelson, Frank Nelson, Jr., Sade Nelson, Marjoe (Rebecca) Milliner, Thera Berry, Quentin Walker, Sarah Milliner Aaron Milliner, Erica (Richard II) Milliner- Gardner, Eric Milliner and Precious Trotter; also her many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; her brother, William “Skip” Gilmore of Hartford, Conn. also her nieces, nephews, cousins, and her special niece, Emah (Dude) Breitbarth.

The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Mary E. Milliner.

Calling hours are from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where a Remembrance will be held following calling hours at noon Thursday. Everyone is invited to a reception at the Hornell VFW Post, 245 Canisteo St., Hornell, following the funeral service. Interment will be in Bath National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Steuben County Office for the Aging, 20 Broadway, Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

Online condolences or remembrances of Mary are welcomed at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home.


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