Jessie L. Vance

She was born at home on Allen Road, Gowanda, N.Y., June 9, 1928, the daughter of the late David S. And Jessie M. Reid.

She graduated from Gowanda High School in 1945 and was employed as a telephone operator with New York Bell Telephone. Jessie married First Lt. Norman A. Vance, a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corp on July 5, 1946. They bought their first farm on March 1, 1947, moved to Brown Road and established Jenova Farms, a successful dairy and grain business. She was active in the PTA, local history and taught Sunday school at Collins Friends Church until increased hearing loss curtailed her community participation. Her design talents produced the remodeling plans and decor of their home and tenant house. Jessie built and maintained several flower beds. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and en-joyed hosting the family holiday gatherings.

Jessie was predeceased by her husband in 2009; a son, Norman D. Vance in 2005; and siblings: Phyllis, John, William, David and Walter Reid. She is survived by daughters: Kathleen (Elwood) Mohawk and Amy Vance (Kim Lewis); and sons: William and Daniel (Gina) Vance and foster son, William Young; grandchildren Jason (Megan) Young, Jessica (Louis) Rauth, Bradley (Heather) and Andrew Mohawk, Charles Vance, Emmalie (;Joseph) Lynch and six great-grandchildren.

Private family services will be held.

Interment will be in Collins Center Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Collins Historical Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 E. Main Street in Gowanda, N.Y.