Marilyn Newitt Jones passed away peacefully at Rome Hospital on August 12, 2018 after a two year struggle with cancer.
Lynn was born in Little Falls, NY on July 24, 1928 to the late Calvin A. and Nelly H. Newitt. After completing high school, she graduated from Lasell Junior College, outside of Boston, with an associate degree in retail and office management. While home on vacation she met the love of her life, Larry Jones, also from Little Falls. They were united in marriage on September 11, 1948. Soon after, they moved to Rome where Larry joined his brother and brother-in-law as owners/operators of
Caswell Supply Co.
Lynn’s life became very full as she gave birth to five children and did part-time bookkeeping for Caswell’s, the Town of Lee and various non-profits. Lynn was active with Juniper Twig for over 60 years and spent many years volunteering at the hospital snack bar. She did volunteer work with the March of Dimes and American Cancer Society. Water-skiing and downhill skiing brought her much pleasure and she was an avid reader throughout her life. Her love of animals was almost equal to her love of children and the household was full of dogs, cats and various small pets.
In 1970 Lynn and Larry purchased a camp on Brantingham Lake. The camp quickly became the favorite place for the ever-enlarging family to meet every summer. “Camp” provided the location for many celebrations and wonderful memories. Lynn and Larry also enjoyed many years of travel in their RV, traversing the country from Alaska to Mexico. In later years, they spent winters in Corkscrew Woodlands, Florida.
A selfless devotion to family will be Lynn’s legacy. Her love of Larry and the children showed no boundaries. Her quiet strength, compassion, and sensitivity were always apparent during those busy years. She delighted in watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow, and they were blessed to have known “Mom-Mom” for so many years.
Knowing that her time was limited with stage 4 lung cancer, Lynn set her goals for the summer of 2018. All were achieved with great joy. She was able to spend two weeks at the family camp and turned 90 years old surrounded by 34 family members at her celebration dinner. On July 28th she traveled to Caroga Lake, NY, to attend her sister Joni’s memorial. She visited the Newitt Camp where she spent summers during her childhood and reconnected with many dear friends and relatives.
Survivors include her children Deborah (George) Reifenstein of Juneau, AK, Betsy (John) McMahon of Lee Center, NY, L. James “Jamo” (Rose) Jones, Jr. of Lee Center, NY, Andrea Jones of West Yarmouth, MA and son-in-law William Riley of Barnstable, MA; grandchildren Ami Reifenstein (Scott Gende), Heidi Reifenstein (Wayne Leighty), Peter Reifenstein, John (Carrie) McMahon, Ryan McMahon, Brenda (Ian) Tallman, Jessica (Matt) Norton, Michael (Alexandra Johnson) Riley, Jason Riley and Kevin Riley. Great-grandchildren include Gavin and Tatum Gende, Felix and Ilyana Leighty, Taylor Simons, John and Connor McMahon, Chloe Tallman, Aberle and Bodhi Norton. She was predeceased by her husband Larry, daughter Judith Riley and sisters Barbara Thompson and Joni Bunker.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on September 23, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church, 108 W. Court St, Rome, NY 13440. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston MA 02284-9168 or online at danafarber.org/give in memory of her beloved daughter Judith Aberle Riley.
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