Mary Ellen Whitman

Mary Ellen (Humphrey) Whitman, 68, State Rt. 28, widow of Larry, passed away at her residence, while under the loving care of her family and Hospice Care, on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. She was born in Utica on August 12, 1944, a daughter of Walter and Mary Kearney Humphrey. Mary Ellen graduated Utica Catholic Academy. Later, she was employed at General Electric and Hamilton Digital, both of Utica. On June 26, 1983, Mary Ellen was united in marriage with Larry Allyn Whitman, in Fremont, N.H. In 1991, the couple moved to Forestport; in 1993, the couple established the Log Cabin Ice Cream Shop, on Rt. 28, which they operated for many years. They moved to their present home in 1995. Mr. Whitman died on Jan. 30, 2005. Mary Ellen is survived by four children, whom she had with her first husband, George Race: Kathi and John Stammers; Boonville, Robert Race, Forestport; Christopher and Sandy Race, Fremont, N.H.; and Cindy and Jim Dougherty, Cape May, N.J. She adored her eight grandchildren (whom she loved to feed generously) and she was joyfully looking forward to the birth of her first great grandchild. Also surviving is a brother and sister in law, Robert and Jill Humphrey, Whitesboro; two sisters in law, Maryanne Humphrey, Utica, and Gerry Humphrey, Fairfield, Conn., and dozens of nieces and nephews, whom she cherished. She is predeceased by two brothers, Jack and Terry Humphrey and a sister, Patricia and her husband, Chris Christiano. Also surviving are her dear friends, Peggy Kaufman, Forestport and Barb and Nick Nickodem, Whitesboro. Her family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Hospice and Palliative Care, for the kind and compassionate care. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial, on Wed., November 21, at 10:00 am, at St. Patrick's Church, Forestport, where Rev. Sean Patrick O'Brien, will officiate. Interment will follow in Beechwood Cemetery, Forestport. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, N.Y. 13413. Her arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville, N.Y.