ANDOVER – Mary E. Baker Polmateer Faber, 94, passed away on
Thursday (May 14, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital after a short stay.
Mrs. Faber was born in Andover on April 23, 1926 to Orla and
Margaret (Wilcox) Baker. She was a 1943 graduate of Andover Central School. In
1949 she married Robert L. Polmateer who preceded her in death on October 16,
1963.
Early in her life, Mary worked at the Andover Silk Mill. The
majority of Mary’s vocational career was spent in hospitality, primarily in
food service. Among the places where she cooked or offered hospitality services
were for an Alfred University fraternity house and Andover Central School as a
cook, and Coslo’s Restaurant in Almond, the Shamrock Inn in Wellsville and
Wellsville Hotel. Mary retired from
Bethesda Hospital in 1983 where she worked in nutritional services.
Mary is survived by a large and loving family: her children,
Dale R. (Patty) Polmateer of Arnold, Md., Thomas L. (Cathy) Polmateer of Madison,
Va., David F. (Teri) Polmateer of Glendale, Ariz., Teresa E. (Gerald) Uganski
of Wellsville, Elizabeth A. (Brian) Weber of Andover, and Mary Jo (Andrew)
Mollerud of Tampa, Fla.; 11 grandchildren, Timothy (Ashley) Polmateer, Dana
(Dave) Rost, Jenee (Alex) Field, Nikki (Andrew) Havens, Brian Weber, Douglas
(Jessica) Weber, Erin (Jeremy) Fuller, Ronnie (Samantha) Ambrose, Heather
(Derrick Marlow) Chiasson, Shawna (Arron) Tomlinson, and Jasmine Polmateer.
Additionally, she is survived by 18 great-grandchildren,
Camden Rost, Emmerson Rost, Aubrey Field, Scarlett Field, Killian Groom,
Greyson Havens, Anderson Havens, Aidan Weber, Ryan (Olivia) Carson, Michaela
Weber, Penelope Weber, Davien Marlow, Haylyn Marlow, Brett Fuller, Eve
Polmateer, Theodore Polmateer, Eve Ambrose, Porter Nutt; two
great-great-grandchildren, Samuel Carson and William Carson; and several
nieces, nephews and friends that she treasured.
She was preceded in death by her younger siblings, Robert
(Dolores) Baker, Donald (Joan) Baker, Joanne (Howard) McKibben; her second
husband, Harry Faber; a dear friend, Oliver Marzolf; and a great-granddaughter,
Andee Elaine Havens.
In her younger years, Mary played tennis and softball. She
enjoyed crafting of various kinds—cross stitch, quilting, latch hook and
plastic canvas crafting. She took pleasure in home arts such as gardening and
baking. She was especially talented with chocolate chip cookies and decorated
sugar cookies which she would give as gifts. Dancing to the oldies was great
fun for her. She loved the opportunities she had for travel and remembered
fondly her cruises to Alaska and Hawaii. It was her joy to tour Germany with
Tom while he was stationed there in the Army.
Mary delighted in her family, relishing their many
gatherings. She was a spirited woman who was proud of having raised her
children on her own. She made sure to always attend their sports functions even
amidst the busy life of nurturing six children.
Visitation and memorial services for Mary will be held at a
later date at which time interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery
in Andover. Services will be officiated by Rev. Calvin Densmore of Andover
First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary’s name
may be given to Manor Hills Adult Care, Activities Department, 4192 Bolivar Rd
B, Wellsville, NY 14895 or Wellsville Manor Care Center, Activities Department,
4192 A Bolivar Rd, Wellsville, NY 14895. The family extends sincere
appreciation to both facilities for the excellent care provided to Mary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral
Home in Wellsville/Scio. Online condolences may be offered at
www.baker-swan.com.
