Sylvia R. (Fortune) (Deyo) Watson

She had been residing at the Keene Valley Neighborhood Home since Aug. 8, 2011. She was a lifelong communicant at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

She was born in Saranac Lake on Aug. 21, 1917, to Sylvia D. (Moore) Fortune and Louis Fortune. She was predeceased by both parents; her brothers, Arthur L. Fortune and Frederick R. Fortune; her husband Martin V. Watson; and her former husband John F. Deyo.

She held positions at the Miss Saranac Diner, Meyer’s Drug Store, Grand Union and 18 years at the A&P. She went on to the Ray Brook post office as a clerk, where she retired after 18 years.

Her volunteer services included the Saranac Lake General Hospital as a nurse’s aide making bandages for WWII servicemen, Meals on Wheels, and 18 years at the Adirondack Medical Center. She was honored by the National Senior Volunteer Program for her service to the community. Her interests included golf at the Saranac Lake Golf Club, where she was a member, fishing and being outdoors with nature. She could be seen at any time walking the Moody Pond road or heading to the Adult Center for lunch with her friends.

She is survived by her daughters: Shirley J. (Deyo) (Duso) Reed of Houston, Texas, and Joan F. (Deyo) (Weeks) Schiller of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; her grandchildren: Donald K. Duso Jr. of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Valerie A. Duso of Piercefield, William B. Weeks of Denver, Colo., and Carter B. Weeks of Port St. Lucie, Fla. She is also survived by a great-grandson, Tyler Duso, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements will be attended to by Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Saranac Lake. A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Harrietstown Cemetery in Saranac Lake.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Adirondack Medical Center or the Saranac Lake Adult Center.

Many thanks to all who helped and cared for Mom so she could maintain her strong sense of independence.

Mom, for everything we shared, the dreams, the laughter, and the tears, we love you with a special love that has deepened every year. Thank you, Mom.