Obituary for Sylvia K. (Mattoon) Radford
Sylvia K. (Mattoon) Radford, age 82 of Corning, NY passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at the Corning Hospital ICU unit surrounded by her family.
Born on November 27, 1939 in Corning, NY, she was the daughter of the late Deo and Bettie (Zirkel) Mattoon. Sylvia was a graduate of Corning Free Academy, class of 1957. She was a member of the cheerleading team and was an active part of all functions of the alumni - arranging with other students to set up reunions and participating in the reunions for a long period of time.
After high school she joined Corning Glass Works in the personnel department and after a short career of one year, she married George D. Radford of Corning at the Big Flats United Methodist Church in 1958. They celebrated 63 loving years together. During her marriage, she began working for Century 21 Real Estate. Following that, on her own time, she was a braille transcriber, certified by the Library of Congress, and typed many books for the blind. Sylvia loved genealogy and researched family history on both sides. She produced a book on family history with all the pictures and supportive documentation. She also helped many others with their research. Sylvia later became the Town of Hornby assessor for a period of time and she attended courses at Corning Community College while raising her children and caring for her family. Sylvia was heavily involved in the Big Flats Historical Society - creating several books on the history of Big Flats alongside her good friend Pamela Farr. She was responsible for creating their yearly calendars with pictures of historical events which were sold to raise money for the society. Sylvia was awarded a piece of Steuben Glassware, many accolades and a dinner in her honor. She was recognized by her colleagues as a great contributor to all the activities in the society. In her free time, Sylvia was a talented sketch artist and home decorator. Her family and friends will remember her for her beautiful heart and willingness to always help others.
Sylvia is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, George Radford of Corning; sons: Randolph (Melanie) Radford of Corning, NY, Eric A. Radford of Corning; daughter, Sandra Larson of Indiana; and multiple grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Sylvia was predeceased by her sister, Lisa Gagnon.
A private family viewing will be held at the convenience of the family. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Rural Home Cemetery, Big Flats on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm, Pastor James Radford officiating. Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning, NY has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Sylvia's family requests no flowers. Instead, please consider making a donation in Sylvia's name to the Big Flats Historical Society, 258 Hibbard Rd, Big Flats, NY 14814.
Born on November 27, 1939 in Corning, NY, she was the daughter of the late Deo and Bettie (Zirkel) Mattoon. Sylvia was a graduate of Corning Free Academy, class of 1957. She was a member of the cheerleading team and was an active part of all functions of the alumni - arranging with other students to set up reunions and participating in the reunions for a long period of time.
After high school she joined Corning Glass Works in the personnel department and after a short career of one year, she married George D. Radford of Corning at the Big Flats United Methodist Church in 1958. They celebrated 63 loving years together. During her marriage, she began working for Century 21 Real Estate. Following that, on her own time, she was a braille transcriber, certified by the Library of Congress, and typed many books for the blind. Sylvia loved genealogy and researched family history on both sides. She produced a book on family history with all the pictures and supportive documentation. She also helped many others with their research. Sylvia later became the Town of Hornby assessor for a period of time and she attended courses at Corning Community College while raising her children and caring for her family. Sylvia was heavily involved in the Big Flats Historical Society - creating several books on the history of Big Flats alongside her good friend Pamela Farr. She was responsible for creating their yearly calendars with pictures of historical events which were sold to raise money for the society. Sylvia was awarded a piece of Steuben Glassware, many accolades and a dinner in her honor. She was recognized by her colleagues as a great contributor to all the activities in the society. In her free time, Sylvia was a talented sketch artist and home decorator. Her family and friends will remember her for her beautiful heart and willingness to always help others.
Sylvia is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, George Radford of Corning; sons: Randolph (Melanie) Radford of Corning, NY, Eric A. Radford of Corning; daughter, Sandra Larson of Indiana; and multiple grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Sylvia was predeceased by her sister, Lisa Gagnon.
A private family viewing will be held at the convenience of the family. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Rural Home Cemetery, Big Flats on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm, Pastor James Radford officiating. Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning, NY has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Sylvia's family requests no flowers. Instead, please consider making a donation in Sylvia's name to the Big Flats Historical Society, 258 Hibbard Rd, Big Flats, NY 14814.