Fessenden Family

Dear Dad, we will never forget you and the impact you had on our lives. You taught us so much and you gave us so much joy. You are gone, but not forgotten.

January 24, 2024 - To mark ten years since we lost Dad -- Martha has typed up all of the notes and letters that were included with the sympathy cards and notes sent to Mom. The stack weighed almost 6 pounds! For me it was comforting to experience the outpouring of sympathy that followed Dad's death. Dad's children photocopied, typed, and scanned many of the messages and sent them around to each other via e-mail. There were so very many donations made, I'll list them too. And there were even more kind words and memories that were shared online in the Ithaca Journal and via e-mail messages. This is going to be a long entry.

There were numerous Masses said in Dad's memory at Our Lady of the Lake Church in King Ferry, NY: one from Bob Nolan, held on July 13, 2014; on May 25, 2014 from Pauline & Stacey Lippincott; on May 4, 2014 from Mary Colgan; on April 20, 2014 from the Fedrizzi family; on March 2, 2014 from Bob & Eileen Fitzgerald; on March 16, 2014 from Don & Marcia Slocum; on March 30, 2014 from Jane & Nels Johnson; and on March 23, 2014 from Betty McGarry.

At St. Mary's Church in Auburn, NY there was a Mass sponsored by Joan Powers on Oct. 25, 2014, and she wrote: "Dear Anne, I express my deepest sympathy to you on the death of Ed. I am a little late being in touch as I have been in the hospital for 5 weeks (I had fallen) & still recovering. I hope you are doing ok. Please express my sympathy to Dan, Maddie & Mitch. I haven't been to mass in a while and not for a couple more weeks. I'm sorry the Mass isn't until October, but I guess that's OK because I have been and am still thinking of you. Love, Joan"

There were also Masses at St. Mary's sponsored by Joe, Mark, & Laurie DiVietro; Fran Currier; Jim & Sandy Lent; and Michael Cuddy Jr. Katie Lacey enrolled Dad in daily Masses and prayers of the Sacred Heart Association and wrote "Ann - Just wanted you and your family to know how sorry I was to hear of Ed's death. I somehow missed the obituary notice and hence the calling hours. I always enjoyed conversations with Ed -- between golf and politics we never ran out of topics! He will certainly be missed by all of his family, I'm sure but also by the local community. Always, Katie"

Frank & Mary Ann Turek enrolled Dad in a monthly mass for one year with the Marian Catechist Mass Guild in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Two years of daily masses were arranged by Michael & Sandra Groth at the Association of Marian Helpers, with a note "You are in our thoughts & prayers!"

Sylvia Hurlbut made a donation to the Bluefield Manor Benevolent fund in memory of Dad. Jim & Sally Woods, Barry & Pamela Hamel, Gail Kinsella & Stephen Koon, and Craig & Eileen O'Neil Doran donated $25, $100, $50, and $100 respectively, to the Good Shepherd Catholic Community's Memorial Fund in memory of Dad.

Jim and Joanne Wilcox of King Ferry, NY made a memorial donation to Southern Cayuga Ambulance in Dad's memory, writing "Ed was a great man that cared deeply for his community. He will be missed. Sincerely, Cindy Wilcox, Executive Director, Southern Cayuga Instant Aid"

Jim Sally McGuire requested perpetual membership for you in the Golden Treasury of Holy Cross Prayer in Notre Dame, Indiana. Perpetual enrollment was also arranged with The Servants of Mary, by Dolores Maroney, including a daily Mass celebrated at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City; perpetual mass enrollment from Marge Nolan, including daily remembrance in the Masses offered by the Friar Priests at Graymoor in Garrison, NY. Tom, Jeanie, Sean, Ryan, Brendan, & Maggie Lewis wrote "Dan, Marnie, Maddie, & Mitchell - You will all be in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time!" and arranged for perpetual membership in the Marianist Spiritual Alliance in Dayton, OH. Kathleen McEvoy Vetrano requested a Mass be said for Dad at LeMoyne College.

Jeff & Terrie Armstrong donated 4 bibles to be distributed by members of The Gideons International, and Doug Bancroft did too; his note: "Ann, so sorry to hear about Ed. He was a great person as you know and a dear friend. I will always picture him as a competitor on the golf course in spite of his late sickness. May the Lord give you peace & comfort in the days ahead."

"Dear Ann & Family, I was very sad to hear about the passing of your dear husband and Father Ed! He was a gentleman through and through, for sure, indeed! I enjoyed talking to him and giving Holy Communion to Ed at Bluefield Manor the past two years! I believe his soul is in heaven, tending to the pear trees in paradise!! God could not have a better farmer tending his eternal garden! God bless you now and always! Sincerely, Michael R. Rosa" (He enrolled you in the Capuchin Mission Association too, for daily Masses and prayers. Karen Prave also gave you perpetual enrollment in the Capuchin Mission Association.)

A Mass was said for you on your birthday in 2014 at Aunt Marcia's church in Unionville, CT: St. Mary Star of the Sea. Connie Fantasia arranged for twelve annual novenas of Masses to be offered by the Vincentian Fathers at Niagara University in Lewiston, NY. Kathleen McEvoy Vetrano sponsored a Mass at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. Daily Masses were said for twelve months at the Fathers of Our Lady of Mercy at their monastery in Rome, from The Jeanne Hogan Family. Dolores Maroney enrolled mom in a year of remembrance in the Masses and daily prayers offered by the seminarians and Capuchin friars at Saint Lawrence Seminary in Wisconsin.

Cards with no extra note came from Jack & Margie (Hester Palombella, Bob & Maxine Martens, Genevieve Mahaney, Tyrone and Beverly Sheils and family, Bea & Bob Franklin, Sam & Carol Hill, Joanne Romano, Fern, Susan Radcliffe, Bill & Janet, Dick Faulkner, Carolyn Montague, The King Ferry Fire Dept., Commissioners, & Auxiliary, Carmen Reynolds, Katie E. Thompson, Warren & Mary Leib, Ray & Gloria Cuddy, Ruth Hares, Lyn & Joan (O'Dell), Rich & Gerri Flanagan, Jake & Gert Jordan & family, Marcia and Mike Bobal, Harold and Joyce (Beals) Short, The Liberty Store, Yvonne Breault, Jim, Marcia Fox Wiedman & family, Kathy & Richard Talcott, Chris and Eileen Tyrrell.

A donation was made by Bill and Barbara Carey to the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation in memory of Dad.

Flowers were received from Dad's grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Marcia, Amy, and Sarah; the Michael Cuddy family & the Reedy family: "You've given us so many happy memories." More flower arrangements were received from Tim & Ronda and family; Shaw Farms; the Pat Miller family and the King Ferry Hotel; Cayuga Lake National Bank employees and Board of Directors; The Emerson Foundation; Seward House Museum Board of Trustees and staff; Farm Credit friends; Don and Helen Marsh, Donny, Beth, Cody & Corey, Colleen, Jeff, Doug, & Randy; Crystal, Guy, Sam, Carmen, & Jessica; and from the Directors, Management, and staff of Midstate Mutual Insurance Company. Flowers and a note were sent to Dad with love from Dale Button & family: "Classmates, neighbor, golf partner, card buddy, best friend. You are already missed."

Now for all of the cards, notes and letters:

1. Dear Ann, John, Tim, Dan and families, Mary Lue and I were saddened to hear of Ed's passing. Ed was one of my favorite classmates in the early 50's at Cornell. I waited table at Lambda Chi Alpha my sophomore year and actually knew Ed, Bill Morrow, and others better than my own fraternity brothers at AGR. It was a good bunch of young men. I will always remember the day Ed and I were returning from class one balmy Spring day. We leaned on the railing at Myron Taylor Hall and gazed across the Ithaca valley to the hills west of Ithaca where a farmer was plowing, back & forth. We looked at each other wishing we too could be out in the fields, instead of studying. I gave a speech at AGFU one year and wondered what folks thought of it.

Ed made my day by taking the time to write and say the talk was well done. Ed, in spite of his progressing Parkinsons, made the effort to attend our AGFU planning sessions each April. His speech was slowed a bit but full of wisdom and listened to. We will miss him this April. The proud legacy of the Fessenden Farm of King Ferry moves on, working closely with Cornell, under Tim's able leadership. Your farm "sets the bar" pretty high for the rest of us to emulate. John has been a special banker for us and certainly a part of our team. Ed is gone, but he and Ann have left a "mark" a mile wide through their children and Farm. God bless you all!

George & Mary Lue (Mueller)

2. Dear Anne, my relations with Ed goes back 30 yrs. He was thorough gentleman, kind & helping. He grew the dairy business of his ancestor's, brought in children to the business and trained them with good values. I am sure he will be missed a lot by the family. My sincere condolences to you & the family. May Ed's soul rest in eternal peace! Mansukh Shah, Liverpool, NY

3. Dear Anne & family, I was so sorry to hear about your husband, please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Sincerely, Beverly Hamilton

4. Dear Anne, we are so sorry to hear about Ed's passing. He was always such a kind man to visit with. Our hearts go out to you. We are in Florida for the winter and regret missing his funeral. Jack and Lola Rejman

5. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Helen & Don (Marsh)

6. Dear Anne, Kathy, Marcia & I have many fond memories of our childhood summers spent in King Ferry & especially time spent on the beautiful Fessenden Farm! Ed will live in my heart, as I recall happy times spent with him and all the Fessenden Family. God bless, you are in our prayers,

Laurie & Bob (Fox) Knecht, Cortland, NY

7. Our prayers and love, Jim & Sally

8. Dear Anne, Mr. Fessenden has been coming to this office before I got here. I have had the pleasure of treating and talking with him for the past 10 years. He will be missed, what a wonderful person he was. Sincerely, Dr. Sean Smith, Skaneateles, NY

9. Anne, we were so very sorry to learn of Ed's passing. We think of you often, as well as our family. Sending our thoughts and prayers to all of you. The Bushnells - Colleen, Jeff, Doug, & Randy

10. I was so sorry to hear of Ed's death. I always enjoyed talking to him, he was such a friendly guy. Take care of yourself. Peggy Savage

11. With deepest sympathy - Jim & Cindy Wilcox

12. Dear Ann, Thanks for calling & telling me about Ed's passing. You have my sympathy & prayers. Enclosed is a check in his memory for a Mass or charity of your choice. Before too much time gets away, I will call, and we will figure out a lunch time. With my love always,
Mary Theresa & Bill

13. Dear Anne and family, what an amazing man who has left our community and our family so many wonderful memories. We both feel honored to have known him. His legacy is far-reaching in so very many ways -- but especially in family and community service. Our heartfelt sympathy to each of you as you cherish your treasured memories of a remarkable husband, father, grandfather -- a man we are so proud to have called "our friend." With sincere sympathy and special memories,

John and Marilyn Mann

14. Dear Anne, I was so sad to read of Ed's passing (internet). We had such wonderful times with you two -- he will be missed. Love, Sheila (Ready)

15. Anne, thinking of you and holding you in my prayers. I'm sorry I couldn't get to King Ferry to say goodbye to a great man. My memories of King Ferry and Southern Cayuga and the wonderful Fessenden family will always be part of who I am. I'm sorry for your loss and I know Ed is at peace with the Lord. Dan Cummings

16. So very sorry - may Ed rest in peace. Stella

17. Dear Ann & family, I'm sorry to hear of Ed's sudden death. However, God is good and saw Ed's tired face. He put his arms around him and lifted him to rest. God's garden must be beautiful. He only takes the best. I understand that this won't be easy for you, but God is good & gives us strength. I lost my husband Jim very suddenly on Golf Course 40 years ago. We are all here for you and will help in any way we can. Love, Charlotte Ross

18. Dear Anne & family, very sorry to hear of your loss. Ed was a very pleasant man.

Sincerely, Barb Woods

19. Dear Ann - Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you from a distance so great we are unable to share them in person. But they are warm and caring, and we know your strong and loving family and God's sustaining love and grace will comfort you and give you strength for the difficult days of transition. And eventually may you experience the "peace beyond all understanding" that the Bible promises us. Our deep love and blessings, Jeanne and Bob Herst

20. We were so sorry to hear about Ed. He was a great man and I have so many wonderful memories of Ed, you and your family. Please let them know how sorry I am for their loss.

Penny and John Connors

21. Dear Anne & Family, each one of you are in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve. May God bless you and keep you close in your time of sadness and loss. Please know how special Ed became to me and I grew to love him. Love, Barb

22. Dear Anne, Thinking of you and all your family during these sad times.

God bless you all, Beth & Arvol May

23. Dear Ann, I have been thinking of you these last few days. I had hoped to be with you at Ed's funeral Mass - however nature sent me a problem and couldn't get up my driveway. I joined you and your family in spirit and prayers for Ed and all of you. Bill Spilly had no mercy for me -- he made it after 3 hrs. but …. I hope to see you soon, in the meantime be assured of my prayers and good wishes. I will offer a Mass for Ed. Paul (Metzger)

24. The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved one is safe in the hands of God. I feel blessed to have known this beautiful, kind, loving and gentle man. He will be missed greatly. Love, Nancy Nichols

25. Dear Anne, I am so sorry to hear about Ed's sudden passing! I sat at a table right next to him at Pot Luck on Thurs. & asked him where you were & the next morning he was gone! I couldn't believe it! At least he didn't suffer which is a small consolation. We women seem to be outliving the men. Who said "men were the stronger of the sexes"? Fortunately, our children are a great consolation. If there is anything I can do to help, please call me. Sincerely, Mary Henderson

26. Dear Anne, Our deepest sympathy! Ed was a great man and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you. John & Shirley Dunkle

27. Ann, I'm so sorry for your loss. Ed was such a great guy. I will really miss seeing him at dinner time. Mary Hogan

28. To the family of Ed, Please accept our sincere sympathy. Ed certainly made this world a better place! May he rest in peace in his heavenly home! Much love, Bill & Barb Carey

29. Ann & family, I'm so sorry for your loss! Mary Greene

30. Dear Anne, please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss … Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Peace, Prayers and Blessings are coming your way! Love, Cassandra Dodson (nurse for Ruth Hares)

31. To Anne and your family, I sent sincere sympathy to you and your wonderful family. You and Ed were such a loving couple. He will be missed by all here at Bluefield. It was admirable the way you cared for him. Our Lord will watch over him now and may you find peace. A contribution has been sent to Our Lady of the Lake Church in Ed's memory. Sincerely, Helen S.

32. Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with you!! Love, Suzanne Redmond

33. Dear Anne & Family - So shocked & saddened by your great loss -- you are in my thoughts & prayers. Jan Robinson

34. Sorry to hear of your loss. Gene Hearn & Family

35. Dear Anne, I send you my heartfelt condolence upon the loss of your dear Ed. I think it must have been very special for you to have experienced last summer's 150th anniversary of your family farm together, as you described it in your Christmas letter. With love and all good wishes for you and your family. Lili MacCormick

36. Dear Anne, With sincere sympathy to you & to all your family. He was a wonderful man.

Sincerely, Carol Nolan

37. Dear Anne & Family, Our daily prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Jim & Pat (Nolan)

38. Dear Ann, Ed was a very fine fellow. I have many fond memories of our time at Cornell, mostly about the Lambda Chi sports teams. Ed was always the star of the team - but always modest. Also, our good times at the house parties. And our celebrations of Ezra Cornell's birthday. We had many good times together. We're very glad that we had time together in October. It was the highlight of our weekend! With love, Marge and Tom (Behr)

39. Dear Ann - I'm very sorry but remember "Ed" is in a much better place - he has no problems, aches or pain, just joy. God Bless & may the good Lord give you the strength you'll need. Sincerely, "Lib" Perkins

40. Dear Anne and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you, good memories too. Love, Maureen and Jim May

41. Dear Anne: Who knows better than I what you are going through. I am just so sorry. But somehow the days go by and I am told it will get better in time. With love, Bernice Talcott

42. Dear Anne, Ed was truly a pillar of our community, as well as an outstanding farmer. The farmstead always looked so neat & tidy. It's nice to see the old barns well-kept and still standing strong! I hope you find Bluefield a pleasant, supportive place to live. The days ahead will be difficult and lonely, a phase of life no-one looks forward to. Fortunately you have a wonderful family surrounding you. Sorry to have missed the calling hours. I was enroute to Italy. Nice trip!

With sympathy, Trudy & Ron (Buxenbaum)

43.We were privileged to have known a wonderful man. God be with all of you.

Most sincerely, Norbert and Patricia Schmitt

44. Anne, Our sympathy to you and your family. The younger generations paid such a wonderful tribute to Ed at the Mass. The community has lost a man of the people. Chauncey & Linda Bush

45. Dear Ann and Fessenden Family - So sorry to hear the news of Ed's passing. We are thinking of you all.

Love - Mary, Jack, Devon, Dylan (Parmenter)

46. Anne & Family - All the members of Scipio Masonic Lodge wish you our thoughts and prayers. Scott Mathieson, Mark B. Jordan, Bill Hitchhock, Dave Timim, Mark D. Smith, Virgil Farlow, Richard Bradley, Thierry Torea, Ed Maassen II

47. Dear Ann, my whole family feels thankful to have become acquainted with you and Ed - and we grieve with you now. Ed's great sense of humor, his inquisitive mind and his kindness are great memories. When his eyes got that "twinkle" we could always tell that he was ready with a joke, or that he was looking at you - his best friend and love. Thank you for sharing him - for giving him the strength and support, through these last difficult months, that still allowed his personality to shine. He was a contented happy man and that was because of you and his family - what a wonderful memory to hold! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Fondly and sincerely, Sharon Loysen (Charlotte Ross' daughter)

48. Anne and family, Ed was a great friend to dad. They had a special bond. With love, Deb Beyea

49. Dear Anne, Sending our love and deepest sympathy,

Mitzi, Lew & Diane Hill

50. Dear Anne, I just learned of Ed's passing. I am so very sorry and will keep both of you in my prayers. God bless you Anne. Adele

51. Anne, thanks to you and your family for the marvelous service of celebration of Ed's life. The contributions of your children and grandchildren: beautiful instrumental and vocal musical selections, Mary's poem, Liz's eulogy -- were evidence of the wonderful family you & Ed produced and nurtured. May they be a comfort to you. With love, Vivian Hughes

52. Dear Anne, My mother (Thelma) did water aerobics with you and my dad (Bob) was on the SCCS Board with your husband. I know they would want to have sent their condolences if they were still with us. Karen Simkin

53. Ann & family - So sorry to hear of Ed's passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Ellen Marshall

54. Dear Aunt Anne, So sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Ed. We know you will miss him. Give all our best to all of your children too. Love, Sheila (Gormley)

Aunt Anne, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Ed will surely be missed. I'll always remember our times with him fondly. All our love, Pete (Gormley)

55. Dear Anne and Family, I along with many others will miss Ed. He was a fine man and an inspiration. He has left behind a legacy (family and deeds) that will live on for generations. We wish you all the best and may you each find joy in your memories.

Sincerely, Bob and Janice Bitz

56. Dear Anne, I was saddened to hear of Ed's death and extend to you my sympathy. I have always been grateful for his help and support when you and Ed sold us the house and land on Lake Road in May 1973. Ed and I had many good conversations since then, and my respect for his knowledge of farming and leadership in community and State organizations grew over the years. May you find peace and comfort in your memories accumulated over your life with Ed. Danny Fox

57. Dear Ann, my sympathy is with you and your family, in thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Margaret Newert

58. We were saddened to hear about Ed's passing. His truly was a life well lived and loved. "Great Guy" Fondly,
Bernie & Carol Deering

59. To Anne, we are so sorry for your loss. Ed was a wonderful person & we were so fortunate to get to know him at the bakery. We will miss him. We hope we will see you soon. Please stop by with your children & have a meal on us.

Take care, love, Annie, TJ, Anastasia & Juliette (Man in the Moon Bakery)

60. Anne, With deepest sympathy, Anne. May your heart and soul find peace & comfort. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time ... so glad I got to meet Ed and get to know him a bit!! Good man!!! Big hug! Lots of Love, Jan Hill

61. Anne & family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers. With heartfelt sympathy, M.J.

62. We have great memories of Ed and I know you do also. We will visit you in the Spring. Our thoughts & prayers are with you Anne! Love, Don & Helen Marie

63. Mrs. Fessenden - Sending you my love and prayers. Love, Catherine (O'Neill)

64. Anne - So sorry to hear about Ed - 59 years - God Bless You!! Glad to know you are surrounded by family to help you through this - not to mention God's love & peace! Anytime you feel up to some water aerobics, you are welcome! Even if just for a day or two! Would love to see you - Your husband was a wonderful man!! God bless - Carolyn (Connors)

65. Dear Anne, We were so sorry to learn of Ed's death. He had been a good friend for a very long time -- including our days back at Cornell. We will treasure those memories of our good times. We know some of your children and they are very special people too! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Dave and Mary Call

66. Dear Ann, I recently learned of Ed's passing, and I am very sorry for your loss. You were blessed to share 50+ years of marriage and raise a wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace & God's Blessings, Marge

67. Anne & Family, Sorry we couldn't be there in person. We are currently in Florida. Ken & Beulah Pollard

68. Dear Ann, and all of Ed's dear family, My thoughts and prayers have been with all of you at this very sad time. I know how much you will miss Ed. He was such a good and kind man, and so many folks will miss his presence. I do pray that all of the good memories that you have will help to comfort you, and keep him forever in your hearts! Most sincerely and with love, Marcia (Hagin)

69. Dear Anne, Father Bill Spilly told me that he participated in Ed's funeral recently. He and you and the family have been in my memory and prayer. I'm feeling well "from the knees up" and am confident that all of me (and all of us) will feel much better when the weather warms. I do believe we have happy memories together. Father Ted (Edwin Metzger)

70. Dear Anne, We will all miss Ed and his great humor. Ron fell early Sunday morning and I didn't dare bring him out. Our thoughts were with you & your family Sunday and Monday. If you need anything feel free to call. Sylvia & Ron (Hurlbut)

71. Dear Ann, How saddened we are to learn of Ed's death. He was a very special person contributing in so many ways to make our world a better place. We will miss him. We send our love and sympathy to you and your family. Amy & Sue Machamer

72. So sorry to hear the news Ann. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. Miss our conversations but hear you're doing well. Please take care. Sincerely, Billi-Jo Nobel

73. Dear Anne, we were so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. I talked to Marcia and she said your whole

family was together for the services -- what a wonderful tribute to a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Sending our love and deepest sympathies.

Marcia & Tom VanderVoort

74. Ann, Expressing our deepest sympathy to you and family. We are thankful for special visits with you and Ed in recent weeks. Ed was a special friend at K.F.C.S. Love, peace, and prayers,

Gloria & John Fisher

75. Anne, So very sorry to hear about Ed. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers to you and your family. Bill & Cindy Krause

76. Anne & family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts an prayers are with you all. Our sympathies, Mike, Trudy & family (Radcliffe)

77. My prayers are with you. Betsy Walter

78. We are so sorry for your loss. Ed was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor & fun. He will be missed. Georgie & Rog Gunn

79. Ann & family, What an incredible life!! Ed will be missed but never forgotten. He is spread far and wide upon this earth. God Bless, Matt, Melissa, Dan, Luke, Jack & Max Fedrizzi

80. Dear Anne, I think of you at this time of loss and mourning and of your family who share your loss of a dear husband and who love you dearly. Love and faith will carry you through. I send my deep regard for you. Margaret Mosher

81. Dear Anne, We were saddened to know that Ed had passed. He was a likeable and friendly person and we will miss him. We send our deepest sympathy and are thinking of you.

Love, Tom & Elsie (Todd)

82. Dear Anne, I hope you are doing okay, as best you can under the circumstances. You have a wonderful family who can be there for you when you need them so reach out to them without hesitation. Best, Lorie and Scott (Gross)

83. Dear Anne, We are so sorry to hear of Ed's death. I did not have your address until I received the Southern Cayuga Tribune yesterday. You and family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Barb & Jack Ganley

84. Anne, We are very sorry for your loss and Ed's passing.

Love, Garry & Cherie (McGuire)

85. Anne & family, Love & prayers to all the family.

Sincerely, Bob and Eileen (Fitzgerald)

86. Dear Anne, I was so very sorry to hear about Ed. I had hoped to get to the calling hours, but something came up in my family and just couldn't make it. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

God Bless, Patty Rice

87. Dearest Anne, I am so deeply sorry -- I have no words. Please, please know that I am here for you. If there is anything at all that I can do for you or with you, please let me know. Call me anytime. I am thinking of you always.

With love and sympathy, Jan

88. Anne: I was so sorry to hear about your loss of Ed. Please take comfort in the many years you had together.

Love, Randy (Schmid)

89. Dear Anne, Hearing of Ed's recent death took our breath away and shattered our hearts, and we realized that Ed and your family have been part of our lives forever. My favorite quality about Ed, as I know many have also expressed, was his great sense of humor and his grace-filled acceptance of his hard circumstances. but my favorite memory of him is from my own First Communion Day. I was eager to escape the after-church commotion of that day and I sought refuge in our station wagon in the church driveway. But along came Mr. Fessenden, who stopped and put his head through the window and said "Congratulations, Carol." That he took the time to stop, to recognize the significance of that day, and that he knew my name made such a tremendous impression on me that I have never forgotten his sweet, simple gesture. It was a small thing, but meant the world to an eight-year-old girl. I know he was a treasure to your family, but he was also a treasure to ours. Now we pray that the sweet memories you shared will bring a soothing peace to your grieving hearts and that very soon when you think of Ed it will be with great joy for the gift he was to so many.

With much love and such sympathy, Carol (Button) and Don Keegan and family

90. Our conversations all weekend were about your dad (and your family) - how handsome, friendly, personable, active, and funny he was. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a funny story. And he suffered through Parkinson's with such dignity, grace, and humor. He has left a hole. I was sorry not to be able to go to the funeral. Carol said it was lovely - a real tribute to your father - that it was well done and very rich and meaningful. Dad, of course, was touched by the references to their friendship. He is comforted by all of the good memories of times they shared. Kathy Button

91. February 17, 2014 Hello Fessenden Family, Enclosed you will find a list of friends of Ed's who have donated in his memory to the Genoa Historical Association (as of this date). We have acknowledged each with a note of appreciation. There are always projects to take on for preservation of local history. As you can see, these donations will go a long way toward that goal. We would like to see it (the money) used for something Ed would be pleased about, so should you have specific ideas please do not hesitate to make us aware of your wishes/thoughts. We all know what an imprint Ed left on our community. Thinking of you all, The Board of the G.H.A. Roberta Parseghian, Mary Beth Correll, Bob Folts, Patsy Sellen, Jill Wilson, Vicki Sheils, Greg Mastin, Marilyn Mann, Chris Wilbur

92. Dear Genoa Historical Association, Please accept this donation in memory of Ed Fessenden. Whenever I attended a school or community event as a young person, Ed always seemed to be there, greeting people warmly and expressing his support and appreciation for his neighbor's efforts. I always took notice of, and was inspired by, Ed's civic engagement. I'm honored to have known him and proud to support an organization and work that he cared about.

Sincerely, Jackie (Rejman) Avner

93. Hi Elizabeth: Thanks for your note. I am very sorry to hear about your Dad's passing, because he was one of a kind, and no better father, son, husband, friend (or person) ever existed. That was a lovely eulogy that you wrote and presented at the funeral. No matter how much we will all miss him, perhaps, in this case, at this time, it may have been "a blessing" that he could go. The business card you found in his desk was the one I left with your sister, Mary, whom I met in Willard Straight Hall last June, while I was attending the 55th reunion of my graduation from the Cornell vet college. I asked her to give it to your father the next time she saw him, and evidently she kept her promise. I have a few more things to say about your father in my letter to Joe Gormley, and I am sending a copy to you.

Sincerely, Charlie Hjerpe

94. On Jan 30, 2014, Joe Gormley wrote:

Dear Charlie and Hose (roomies) and Jim my fellow goof-off -

Based on Internet information, it appears that both of you guys are still hanging in there, I know Jim is

still kicking. Our last communication, in the fall of 2001, was great. I’ve not done anything to “stay in touch” but I’ve kept that promise on file and have just enjoyed reading our e-mails again. Attached is the eulogy that Ed’s oldest daughter read at his funeral this past Monday, January 27. I believe you both would remember Ed and the fact that he was my “big brother” at Lambda Chi. After I arranged a blind date for him and Anne for 1952s Homecoming Weekend, they wound up married with 7 children. Ed died peacefully, in his sleep on Thursday, January 23. He had suffered for nearly 20 years with Parkinson's, so it is one of those situations where we are happy for him, sad for all who knew him. The eulogy will fill you in. If able to respond, I 'd love it. Joe (Gormley)

From: Charles Hjerpe

To: jng@gormleysales.com cc: elizabeth.fessenden@verizon.net
Subject: Re: Ed Fessenden

Date: January 30, 2014

Hi Joe: It is great to hear from you, even though I am typing this through "moist" eyes. I can't thank you enough for writing about Ed's passing, because it is doubtful that I would have learned about it, otherwise. Last June, my wife, Sue (Suzanne Davis Hjerpe) and I attended our 55th Reunions at Cornell. One day, we parked our rental car below Willard Straight Hall and walked up the stairs to the lobby, then exited to walk around the campus in that area, buy a few things at the Campus book store across the street, and take photographs of the woodchucks that now live in that area. I was introduced to Sue, during the fall of 1957, by another LXA brother, John Nicolai, as a football game "blind date" (John was working as a waiter at the Tri-Delt sorority, where Sue lived and was a member) and we ended up becoming engaged by Christmas and were married on September 6, 1958, after graduating from the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine (me) and the College of Arts and Sciences (in mathematics) (Sue) in May of 1958. John Nicolai was my "little brother" in both the LXA (social) and Alpha Psi (veterinary) fraternities. He died about 3 years ago, which I learned about from Charlie Brooks (another LXA bother, who now lives near Phoenix). Charlie made a career of buying fat cattle for packing houses, and was living in California when I arrived here in 1963 (although I have never seen him, in person, since our LXA days at 127 Edgemoor Lane). While walking through Willard Straight, we noticed a sign on the door of an office that (I think) read "Mary Fessenden", director of University Film Study (or some such title). So we went in to meet this Fessenden person. "Mary" was not in her office, but another lady there told us to come back later at a certain time, and she would be back. We did this and spent about 45 minutes with "Mary" (I hope I am correctly remembering her first name), and she told us about Ed and Anne recently moving into assisted living, I believe in Auburn(?). I also asked her about how the farm was doing, and what all of Ed's kids were now doing.

Before leaving, I asked her to remember us to Ed the next time she saw him (although I have no way of knowing whether she actually did so). "Mary" is a daughter of Ed and Anne. We learned that Ed's oldest son is running the farm and wants to retire, but that no one in the family is interested in taking it over from him and keeping it going (also sad). When I pledged LXA in the fall of 1951, and during the next 3 years, until he graduated in 1954, Ed was my best friend at Cornell, and I greatly admired his easy, friendly manner, self assurance and good looks. I, myself, was socially ill-at-ease, and lacking confidence that I would be able to compete with all of these self-confident and worldly guys that the campus was populated with. After Ed graduated, and until he died, I only saw him one more time: That was in the fall of 1993, shortly before Sue and I retired from the University of California-Davis (she as a computer programmer with the campus Computer Center, and me as a professor of veterinary medicine and Director of the vet school's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital). Sue was attending a computer conference at Cornell, and I came along as a traveling companion, during which time I visited Ed's farm in King Ferry and spent several hours there with him one morning. I greatly regret that I did not make an effort to contact and visit with Ed more frequently, while he was still alive, but everyone is busy with their own family and their own activities, and (regrettably) neither of us was very good at maintaining long distance relationships.

While we were visiting with "Mary" last spring, I told her the story about how her father and mother were introduced to each other by you, and what a big "party boy' you were at that time. She had a good laugh about that, and I am not sure whether she had heard about that before from anyone else.

One other thing I remember about Ed was how he always took the week off during the Annual Cornell "Farm and Home Week," and went home to King Ferry to help his dad with the spring planting.

He always referred to it as "Go Home and Farm Week." Thanks for writing and let's try to stay in touch in the future. Also, the Jim Burns you refer to must be the Burns guy from Little Falls who was about a year or 2 behind me in vet school and an Alpha Psi brother, who was attacked by a rabid fox while walking to his school bus stop, and lost a leg in a tractor accident. No? Hi Jim! what are you up to now-a-days? Sincerely, Charlie (Hjerpe )

95. Dear Anne - My deepest sympathy to you & your beautiful family. I have many fond memories of spending time with the Fessenden family many, many years ago ~ Ed was such a kind and gentle man & so much fun to be around. I'm sure God had a very special place saved just for him. You're in our thoughts & prayers. With love, Ann Landers (& Dick too)

96. Dear Anne - I'm very sorry to hear of Ed's passing. I am late in getting a note to you, but you have been in my thoughts and prayers. You made a wise decision when you moved to Bluefield. Now all the work and commotion of moving is behind you. We should have done something before now. Francis was very pleased to have Tim visit him. I had a hard time figuring out who his visitor was but I finally made it. Fran's speech is very slow in returning. Maureen stops by to visit him, which he enjoys. Thanks also for your card. Francis and Catharine (Cahallan)

97. Our condolences to you and your family. We just heard of Ed's passing today. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor when we lived up there but always remained a great friend after we left. I know he will be greatly missed by everyone. Our prayers are with you all. Sincerely,

Your friends Bev & Rick Heffernan

98. Dear Anne, we were saddened to learn of Ed's passing. He is someone we both respected - -such an asset to the community and a role model for many. We will remember his love for King Ferry. I think of him whenever the church bell rings. Together you have raised a good family. I hope you are comforted by the memories of your many happy years together. Debbie & Bill Patrick

99. Dear Anne and family, We were very sorry to learn of Ed's death. I especially will remember him as a great supporter of local history and helping to solve many of our questions. It was always a pleasure to stop, pick up his articles and talk about them. A highlight of our holiday season were your family Christmas cards. Best wishes to all, Paul & Paula Mitchell

100. Dear Ann & family, When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help you find your smile. My mother left me a nice verse that I like to think of --- Memories are good things, I take mine out every day. Like a ... like a string of pearls ... almost. An' I count 'em an' Work 'em through my ... well, not my fingers ... but my mind an' heart. They're good things ... memories. When God blesses you with a good life, then ya got good memories. Love to you - Maralie and Tom

101. Dear Anne & family, Hope the flowers got to you in good shape. I figured the start of spring would be the best time for flowers. Been thinking of you and hoping the passage of time is helping. May your days be better. Winter finally gave up here - snow on the ground since November - big drifts blocked roads & -25 degree temps. Ginny & Bill Morrow

102. Aunt Anne, I will always remember Uncle Ed driving us around the area and showing us the gorges -- It was a beautiful drive. He will be missed! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Tracy (Gormley) Marsom

103. I, along with the whole area, will miss Ed. Whenever I saw him, at pancake breakfast, McDonalds or anywhere he always spoke and talked like he was interested and never acted like I was holding him up or anything. He was a very nice person. God bless you all, Jesse McLachan

104. Dear Ann, what a shock when I read the 1-27th Ithaca Journal. Didn't get my act together to get to Ed's service -- I'm so sorry. I called Catherine Cahalan that morning to get your address when she told me Francis had a stroke at 2 a.m. He is in Cayuga Medical in Ithaca. Oh my, I guess it's our age that we seem to have troubles and more troubles. I'm happy you are settled at Bluefield so you are all downsized. Took me three years to do that. My thoughts and prayers have been going to you and your children. They will be a support to you as mine are to me. I'm so sorry you have lost Ed. Keep chin up!! Love, Jeanne (Bishop)

105. Dear Ann - God bless you and your family. We are very slow to know things as we don't subscribe to a local paper, so just learned of Ed's passing. We are so sorry. Very sincerely,

Donna & Fran Mitchell

106. We didn't learn of Ed's passing till 3 days after you had called for Pauline's # in Myrtle Beach. You are in our thoughts and prayers -- may all the happy memories bring you comfort at this time.

Barb & Sam Delap

107. We were so sorry to hear about Ed. He will be missed by many. Our prayers and thoughts to you and the family. Ford & Fran (Lamb)

108. Was so sorry to hear of Ed's passing and wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts.

Lori & all the gals at Dodge City Clippers

109. Randi and I are in Florida - arrived last Monday and she had major foot surgery on Wednesday. Bill Ryan phoned on Friday to deliver the bad news. We, of course, were stunned. Ed was strong when I saw him last at our January bank meeting. He asked his usual good questions and offered good suggestions. And he always shared tidbits of humor. He was a man of wide experience, and he brought a fund of analytical perspective to every discussion. He had begun to speak of retiring from service on the Board and we were hoping he could continue to take pride in the bank's performance from the sidelines. Ed meant a lot to a lot of people, professionally and personally, Ann. He was a good mentor and a good friend. We feel your loss.

Best, Steve and Randi Zabriskie

110. I think the words in this card reflect what everyone feels. The shock was great, I know, but somehow, I just feel that God and Ed knew that this was best for him and his family. I know your faith is strong and with that and the support of your wonderful family and many friends, it will carry you through this difficult time. And you are fortunate to have a home at Bluefield sand the friendships there! It will help make the transition easier, I believe. I am so sorry I did not get to the funeral, but I read the service and heard about it from Marnie. What a tribute to Ed -- the presence of all his grandchildren and children, and many friends. I always prefer to go to the church service, but I did not think it smart for me to get out in the terrible weather. Do think about you and will see you at Roundabout, if not before. Fondly, Jackie (Alexander)

111. Dear Ann, I was so sorry to learn of Ed's passing, but you and I know it is to a much better place. Jack had very high regards and respect for Ed. He was a gentleman who was a privilege to know. The coming days and weeks will evoke many memories, but also periods of profound loneliness. Give yourself time. Time has a way of healing body and soul. I know. My best thoughts are with you.

Marilyn Baeder

112. Anne, we were so sorry to hear of the passing of Ed. He was such a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Fessenden family. Mom & Dad (Ellen & Floyd Stoker) are here in Texas with my family. They live in an assisted living facility about 10 miles away. Mom's health has improved significantly since they arrived. Dad is failing but still gets around. We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Ellen & Floyd Stoker and Jennifer (Stoker) Davis

113. Dear Anne: It was with sadness that I learned of your husband's passing. Ed served his community with honor and distinction and his life was certainly all about serving others, as was evidenced by the number of organizations he was involved with. It is my hope that your loss will be eased by the comfort of good friends and family. If there is anything that I can do for you, I hope you will not hesitate to let me know. With deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Michael F. Nozzolio, Senator, 54th District

114. Dear Anne, What an overwhelming loss for you and your family! Ed was such a great person, always so quietly effective. His presence was an asset to so many groups. He was indeed the patriarch of a really wonderful family. It's such a comfort to know that he was respected by so many people. Please take comfort in knowing that so many are thinking of you and your family as you cope with your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts. With love and concern, Shirley Outhouse

115. Dear Anne, When John called to tell me about Ed, I was in a store, in Denver, with one of the grandkids feeling overwhelmed by sadness. I also felt so far away knowing that I would miss seeing you and the family and miss what John described as a beautiful service and tribute to wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Ed was truly one of my favorite people. I think he reminded me of my Dad - a dairyman, a Cornellian, father of five, kind, patient and humble with always a twinkle in the eye. I will treasure the times we had with both of you, thanks to Midstate, and I will remember my last encounter with Ed as he hit golf balls on the Bluefield lawn. It seemed that nothing could slow him down! You are fortunate to have your new friends at Bluefield and your wonderful family close by. I promise to come and visit, and you can show me some the 100 photo albums. Meanwhile, my thoughts are with you. Love to you and the family, Nancy

116. Dear Mrs. Fessenden: On behalf of the many Cornellians who knew and cared about Ed, I offer deepest sympathies on your recent loss. Your husband was a valued member of the university community, and his commitment and service to the college of Agriculture and Life Sciences serve as an inspiration to all. His true and lasting legacy to the university also includes the generations of Fessendens who followed in his footsteps to Cornell. May your fond memories ease your grief during this difficult time. You and your family are in our thoughts. Sincerely,

David J. Skorton, President, Cornell University

117. Dear Anne, we recently learned from Dan of Ed's passing and would like to express our sincerest condolences to you. Please know your Nazareth family is thinking of you during this difficult time. You have both been so supportive of Nazareth, I know many students will be forever touched by your generosity. I hope friends from the Class of 1952 and your nursing classmates have been a source of strength for you and that memories of Ed will comfort you in the days ahead.

Sincerely, Daan Braveman, President, Nazareth College

118. Dear Anne, you have ben on my mind and in my prayers daily. We are so sorry for your loss of husband, companion and friend. Almost 60 years together! Sorry we didn't get to talk with you at the calling hours. The line looked a mile long. Wonder how the service was. Both you and Liz were kind enough to send us a copy of the bulletin. We had a good chat with most of your grandchildren. What a nice-looking bunch of young people. Know you must be proud of their endeavors. We were impressed with Marissa's article in the Smithsonian. Hope you are holding up in all ways.

Much love, Anne (Floyd)

119. Dear Anne, I've had your b-day card ready and sealed for weeks and I've forgotten what was written on it. I'm sure, somewhere on it, was HAPPY BIRTHDAY. That seems out of place at this time. You can take it for what it's worth. Knowing you as I think I do; I see you with a smile and one who is never too busy to stop and chat .... a caring-about-others kind of lady. Please know that I care about you and the loss you are feeling now. The smile may be lost for a while but it is still with you and will show again when pleasant memories help to see you through. I also feel your faith in God will see you through this sadness in missing Ed. My heartfelt sympathy to your family as well as to you. Fondly, Esther

120. Dear Martha, thank you so very much for letting me know about your father and for sending me the fine program for his funeral and the search engine data. Losing a parent is, in my experience a rather difficult thing and my heart goes out to you and yours on this unhappy event. I'm sure it was a great relief to have it happen as it did, avoiding further suffering. In addition your happy memories of him will no doubt be a special comfort to you all at this time of hope and renewal. It was good to hear that your parents had moved to Bluefield Manor which my cousin Betty Turner Fromel of Auburn says is a nice place. It has been a great pleasure to get to know your parents and I hope you and your family will keep in touch as I have few close relatives. With many thanks for your kind letter and deepest sympathy, Most sincerely, Deane (Turner)

121. Dear Ann, it was rather a shock to hear from Martha about Ed's passing. It has been such a pleasure to get to know you both and I wanted to send you my deepest condolences on this most unhappy loss. I'm sure one would not have picked a better way to go and it must have been a relief to know that his days of illness were past. It is always a comfort, too, to have the sort of happy memories you and your fine family must have of him and even more so at this great time of hope and renewal. All my best to you and yours, Dean (Turner)

122. To the Fessenden Family - It has been 40 years since we moved away but your father is one of those special people we will always remember. There's no way to know the countless rounds of golf, games of cards and good times that your father and our father enjoyed along with Lou and Dale. They were great friends. Our deepest sympathies to you and your families. Donna (Beaudet), Maria, and Dom Losurdo

123. Dear Anne, I was deeply saddened to read of Ed’s recent death. Ed and I were both 17 going on 18 when we met at a freshman orientation function our third day at Cornell. He was one of the young men (only a few!) I felt immediately comfortable talking to. Our paths crossed from time to time during the four years – and we were somehow always friends. We both moved on, Ed to the farm and me to Agway, and 20 years later I was surprised and delighted to see his name as a new Farm Planning _____ customer working with Tom McMillan. We met again … and now you were very much there too. The two of you have been very much part of my own history ever since – through agricultural organizations, Cornell Class of ’54 events, and the Sayles family. Almost 65 years ago I met Ed and felt “he’s nice and he’s comfortable.” I’ve never changed my mind. Fondly, Peggy (Hill)

124. Dear Ann, we were very sorry to hear that dear Ed had passed away. You were a wonderful care-taker Ann. I never heard you say a cross word to Ed. I wonder how you did it but he was your dear husband and you loved him. Now is the time that you appreciate a big family, that will be there for you and they all are number one in that category. Our get-together group is fast going to their great reward – HEAVEN. We can look back to some wonderful times, can’t we? Ed, you and your family planned well selling your house and getting established in a smaller residence. We must get busy and do it. Well, my dear friends – I will close. I will call you one of these days. My love & prayers, Pauline (Lippincott)