Obituary of Virginia M. DeMarte

Virginia Mae Marie Kelley DeMarte of Olean passed away as the sun rose on Easter morning (April 20, 2014). She had resided for the past year at the Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Olean, where she was surrounded by caring staff and residents. Born on June 23, 1932 in Millport, Pennsylvania, Virginia was the eldest of the 14 children of Gladys and Arthur Kelley. Virginia married Perry Bruno DeMarte in 1954 in Olean. They resided for many years on Clinton Street. Perry passed away on April 20, 1974 and Virginia moved to an apartment in the 15th Street Olean Housing Project, where she lived for about 40 years. The Housing Authority staff and her neighbors were very kind to her and the family is grateful to them. Virginia enjoyed sitting in her yard and watching the children play - they called her "Grandma". She served as the Treasurer of the Tenants' Association for several years. She could often be seen riding her bicycle around town, as she loved Olean and had a great interest in the history and current events of the community. Virginia took hundreds of pictures each year and especially enjoyed the squirrel sculptures, parades, fireworks, and Christmas lights in Lincoln Park. Virginia was a homemaker for most of her life, but worked briefly at Kresgee and Kinters. She was active in the School #10 bake sales and was known for her beautiful cakes. She was a Camp Fire leader and brought much creativity to her group of Camp Fire girls. Virginia had a lovely singing voice and a special talent for drawing. She had a passion for American history and read much about the past presidents, the Old West, and the Native American culture. She was particularly proud of her Irish heritage. She is survived by five daughters, Bambi Hoffman of North Carolina, Elizabeth Fox of Texas, Rosanna "Dee Dee" (Howard) Bartz of Olean, Nicki (Paul) Bacon of North Carolina, and Rebecca (Victor) Herbert of Olean; and one son, Frank "Tony" DeMarte of Allegany. Virginia is survived by ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was especially close to great-grandchildren, Sydney and Andy Storms and her grandson, Brandon Michael Herbert, who was the Light of Her Life. She is also survived by seven of her siblings, sisters Gloria Froebel of Coudersport, Susan Button of Olean, Ruby Stidfole of Pennsylvania, Celia Kelley of Eldred, and Linda Dempsey of Kentucky; and brothers, William Kelley and James Kelley of Pennsylvania. She had 38 nieces and nephews, who loved their "Aunt Ginny". She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (Edwin) Snyder of Allegany, Joanne (Frank) Fischer, and Fran (Barry) Clawson of Olean; and brother-in-law, Ralph DeMarte of California. Virginia was predeceased by her parents; sisters Margaret Howard and Priscilla Button; brothers Robert, Richard, Eugene, and Thomas Kelley; sister-in-law Madeline Mitchell; and a special grandson, Charles Hoffman. There will be no visitation at this time; a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In honor of her love for books, memorials may be made in Virginia's name to the Olean Public Library, #134 North 2nd Street, Olean, New York 14760. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street Olean, New York 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.