Harriet A. Gaylord
ANDOVER - Harriet A. Gaylord, 61, passed away Saturday (Sept. 29, 2018) at home following a lengthy illness, surrounded by family.
Harriet was born on Nov. 26, 1956 in Hornell to John Regis and Violet Irene (Darling) McCormick. She was a 1974 graduate of Andover Central School. On May 29, 1976 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover, she married Dale A. Gaylord, who survives.
Harriet was well known and loved as a school bus driver for Andover Central School for over 20 years. In recent years, she owned and operated The Village Pub in Andover. Previously she was a dedicated homemaker during the times the kids were at home while still serving as secretary for her husband's business, Gaylord Construction.
In addition to her husband and best friend of 42 years, Harriet is survived by three children, Amy (Jerry) Brown, Brent (Sabrina) Gaylord and Cara (Michael) Pitts, all of Andover; one brother, Ray (Mollie) McCormick of Henrietta; one sister, Deena (Tom) Neff of Andover; one sister-in-law, Carmela McCormick; 12 grandchildren, Fiona Brown, Rhiannon Brown, Cormac Brown, Aine Brown, Maggie Gaylord, Alexis Gaylord, Liberty Gaylord, Gracieanne Gaylord, Brynna Gaylord, Samantha Pitts, Rhiver Pitts and Summer Pitts, all of Andover; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Gary McCormick and Roy McCormick.
Harriet had one overriding passion in her life, her family. That passion found expression through her love of camping. One of her favorite camping spots was spending time at Deer Run Campground in Andover. At other times, she would put down stakes at the local campground of Dale's latest building project. At any location, it was a chance to spend time with her family, doing what she enjoyed most.
Her passion of family was also expressed during the holiday season, especially Christmas. Every year she would set up a huge "Christmas Village" at home. The festivities culminated in a big Christmas Eve gathering of the whole family.
Harriet was a longtime volunteer for the annual Andover Haunted House and was a member of the Greenwood American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Birmingham-Bird Post 1425.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday from noon-1 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Immediately following the visitation at the funeral home, there will be a procession to the Andover Presbyterian Church where the memorial service will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. with Rev. Christian Mattison officiating. A private burial in St. Mary's Cemetery in Rexville will be at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harriet's name may be made to Allegany County Cancer Services, Attn: Lori Ballengee, 100 South Highland Ave., Wellsville, NY 14895; or to Andover Haunted House, 5 West Greenwood St., Andover, NY 14806.
Published in Hornell Evening Tribune on Oct. 1, 2018.