Obituary of Mary Louise Laidley

          On December 2, 2018, at the age of 107, Mary Louise Laidley, former resident of Port Jervis, NY, entered into eternal rest at the home of her daughter in Owego, NY. She was born in Yakima, Washington, on September 12, 1911, the daughter of John Shedden and Anna Rapp Shedden. Mary Lou was also predeceased by her brother Albert, and her infant daughter, Elizabeth Anna. In 1935, she married Edwin T. Laidley, who passed away on June 11, 1979. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Laidley, and son Thomas J. Laidley (Maydree), as well as her 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Mary Lou was a graduate of The Academy of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ, and of Douglas College (Rutgers University). After pursuing further studies at New Paltz, she became a fifth grade teacher in Port Jervis, where she taught for many years. As an over 70-year resident of Port Jervis, she was also active on the boards of many organizations, including the Port Jervis Free Library, Red Cross, Girl Scouts, and the Neversink Valley Museum. In 2005, Mary Lou moved to Owego where she was a member of St. Patrick’s Church. Traveling, reading, playing bridge, and recounting times of yore were among the pleasures she enjoyed most. Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to The Coburn Free Library, 275 Main Street, Owego; or Tioga County Rural Ministry, 143 North Avenue, Owego. Funeral services will be private. Interment will be in St Mary’s Cemetery in Port Jervis.