Lillian M. Cheely

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Families are like quilts, lives pieced together with smiles and tears colored with memories and all bound by love….Surrounded by love, Lillian M. Cheely, 94, of Nichols passed away on Thursday evening, October 27, 2022 and is now reunited with her husband Walter.

A lifelong resident of Nichols, Lillian was born on the old family farm in Nichols. Doc Brown arrived by horse and buggy on a cold winters day, November 17, 1927 to deliver the second child of Mary M. (Tripp) and Archie B. Babcock, Sr. Farm life wasn’t always easy for the Babcock children, chores had to be completed before walking down the hill to school and after school they would race home to assist in evening chores. It was in 1945, Lillian graduated from Nichols High School. Shortly after high school, Lillian was home and a young boy named Walter came by the farm to see about using a truck. He quickly went home and told his folks, he would be marrying the young gal he met. It was on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947 Lillian thought she was going to church In New York City with her soon to be husband Walter when following church services the pastor said, “are we doing a wedding too?” Lillian and Walter were married for 65 years and her heart was broken on May 25, 2012 with his passing. Over the years, Lillian followed Walter all over the world as he served his country in the US Army. It was in their hearts that Nichols always remained to be home. For many years, Lillian and Walter owned and operated Cheely’s Lock and Stich in Owego.

Lillian was a talented seamstress who many turned to have a quick hem or a dress made. Many will remember her pleasant smile as she greeted you at the Open Door Mission or came calling to your home with Avon. She was also a devoted volunteer for the Tioga County United Way.

Lillian left her handprint on the hearts of so many, she will be greatly missed by her sons: Dennis Randall “Randy” Cheely; John A. Cheely; Thomas and his wife Pam Cheely; her brother Harry Gene “Fuzzy” Babcock. Her grandchildren: Jennifer (Chris) Coleman, Jeremy Cheely, Christopher (Tammy) Cheely, Archie (Allison) Cheely and Dennis Cheely; her great grandchildren: Abigail (Jesus’), Harley Mae, Wyatt, Alexander, Nathan, Christian, Shantae, Sabastian, Seren, Susan and Mackenzie;  a great great granddaughter Summer Rose;  several nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Lillian was predeceased by her parents, her husband Walter; a son Walter H. “Butch” Cheely, Jr; her siblings: Virginia Baldwin, Archie LeRoy Babcock, Charles Babcock.

Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Thursday, November 3rd from 11 to 1 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. A funeral service and celebration of her life will follow at 1 pm. Lillian will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Riverside Cemetery, Lounsberry. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com

Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Tioga County United Way, 24 State Route 96, Owego, New York, 13827 in loving memory of Lillian M. Cheely.