Obituary of Nancy J. Whitermore

Nancy J. Whitermore, 85, of Lakewood, NY, passed away unexpectedly at 8:12 pm Sunday, December 27, 2020, in her home. A lifelong area resident, she was born May 26, 1935, at the family home in Falconer, NY, a daughter of the late Samuel and Beatrice "Betty" Love Edson. She was a 1953 graduate of Jamestown High School, attended Jamestown Community College and earned her undergraduate degree from Fredonia State University and her master's degree from Edinboro University in art education. Before her retirement she was employed as an art teacher for the Gustavus Adolphus Children's Home and had earlier worked for the Southwestern Central School District. During the summer months she taught art classes at Chautauqua Institution. Nancy loved nature, which was revealed in her artwork. Her inspiration was often found in the beautiful wildflower bouquets that she collected while walking her English setter dogs in the countryside. She took pride each year to create a lovely garden that overlooked the lake. One of the sweetest ways Nancy showed her love was in her hand written notes, where she often included an original art design created specifically for the recipient. She was invited to display her artwork throughout Western New York, and especially enjoyed her art shows at the Lakewood Library, where both she and her husband displayed their artwork. Her art reflected her humble, selfless spirit and she nurtured many aspiring artists, with her husband emerging as one of her most successful students. Most of all, Nancy loved her family and she took the time to make birthdays and holidays special events. She loved to cook and bake and her delicious meals were at the center of many family gatherings. Nancy also had a booth at the Chautauqua Institution Farmer's Market for many years, where she sold her baked goods and had many returning customers. Nancy was a member of the Jamestown Unitarian Church, the Jamestown and Lakewood Garden Club and while living in Florida was a member of the Art Association in Tarpon Springs. Surviving is her husband of 67 years, James W. Whitermore, whom she married June 6, 1953, her four children, Greg (Laurie) Whitermore of Bemus Point, NY, Brad Whitermore of New York City, Thomas Whitermore of Saratoga Springs, NY, Carolyn Thurman of Macon, MO, eight grandchildren, Colin Whitermore, Allison (Alex) Johnson, Dalton Thurman, Conner Thurman, Wyatt Thurman, Chad Whitermore, Holly Whitermore, Livia Whitermore, five great grandchildren, Owen and Emme Johnson, Brody, Ty and Addison Whitermore, two sisters, Sally Patchen of Jamestown, NY, Ann Smith of Sun City, FL, and a brother, Brian Edson of Charlottesville, VA. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date when family can be together. Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Sinclairville, NY. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Rd. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to the Lakewood Memorial Library, 12 West Summit St. Lakewood, NY 14750.