Obituary of Lois M. Haidvogel

Lois M. Haidvogel Age 75, lifetime resident of Big Flats, New York. Lois passed away peacefully on Saturday March 12, 2016, in Libertyville, IL. She was born in Elmira, NY to the late Claude West and Margaret Sutliff. She was raised in Elmira Heights with her sister Claudette and bothers Claude and Keith. She graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School in 1958 (Elmira Heights). She was employed by Chemung Canal Trust for several years and then worked for the Elmira Star-Gazette for 37 years. She worked her way up through the business office and retired as the Human Resource Director. She married Robert Haidvogel (Bob) in June 1962 at St. Mary Our Mother Catholic Church (Horseheads), where they were members for 50 years. Lois was a loving wife to Bob and a proud and supportive mother to her two sons and their families. She was high energy, hardworking and never idle. Lois was a good sport and never backed down from anything, such as the time the motorcycle riding men at the Star-Gazette told her that a woman could not possibly ride a motorcycle. So Lois, true to form, bought a motorcycle, got her license, and rode it to work to show the men riders, and of course, had to sell it before her son could get his license. Her passions encompassed many areas: walking, camping, traveling, baking, quilting, gardening, and even ocean cruises. She loved to socialize around the kitchen table with friends over various card games and deeply embraced her friendships. The consummate volunteer, she was active in many endeavors after retiring from work including: Arnot Ogden Hospital, Big Flats Senior Citizen Committee, US Census Worker, Tioga Central Railroad, and St. Mary Our Mother Church Offering Counter. A loving Grandma, she chose to retire early to be able to enjoy time with her grandkids and her sons' families at their various Navy postings around the country. She blessed all who knew her with a zest for life and truly embraced the motto to work hard and play hard in life. She was preceded in death (2012) by Bob, her beloved husband of 49 years. She is survived by her two sons, Rob (Sandy) Haidvogel, Libertyville IL, Richard (Susan) Haidvogel, San Diego CA; grandchildren Christopher and Katherine; sister Claudette; and brothers Claude and Keith. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the BARBER FUNERAL HOME, 413 South Main Street Horseheads, NY on Monday March 21, 2016, from 6-8 p.m.; any inquiries, call 607-739-4801. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary Our Mother Church, 816 Broad Street, Horseheads NY. A committal will be held immediately following the funeral mass at the Rural Home Cemetery in Big Flats, NY. The family will provide their own flowers and those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at www.lbda.org.