Esther Stocum

Esther Stocum 

WATKINS GLEN-We are heartbroken to share that our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Esther Louise Kenyon Stocum, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the age of 88. Born to Hugh and Grace Louise Kenyon on May 5, 1937, Mom grew up in Canisteo, NY with her brother Ken. Her brother Shirley died at age two. She loved helping on their farm and took great pride in graduating as salutatorian of her class. She watched the Hornell Dodgers play baseball in the 1950’s. Later, she became a lifelong NY Yankees fan. After getting married, Mom moved to Corning, NY where she and our father began careers at Ingersoll Rand and started a family. In 1959 they moved to Watkins Glen, NY, where Mom would live the rest of her life as the Best Mom and Grandma Ever.

It is hard to fully capture what an extraordinary mother she was. In 1973, she lost both of her parents one month apart. Around the same time, she became a single parent of her six children ages 3 to 15. She faced these challenges with remarkable strength, grace and resilience. For the rest of our childhood, she worked two and sometimes three jobs to provide for us. She worked for Schuyler County then Schuyler Hospital and was a favorite waitress at Savard’s, Scuteri’s, Chef’s, and most recently at Curly’s Restaurant. Although she juggled relentless work schedules, our busy school schedules, and unreliable transportation, she never missed a game, concert, or important moment in our lives. Everything she did was for us, she never put herself first. Growing up, on the outside it may have looked like we did not have much but on the inside we were millionaires because of the love, support, and unwavering dedication of our brave, sweet, strong, funny, beautiful mother.

Mom encouraged us to work hard, be honest, respect others, and help those in need. She never said no to helping us or anyone else. She was honored to be named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, and we are proud to have followed her example in becoming upstanding citizens in our communities As adults, it has been a joy to watch her surround her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the same strength, integrity, and love.

Mom taught us to enjoy life! She loved cooking, gardening, watching all sports, playing Euchre, gambling with her girlfriends, and spending time with family. She watched her grandchildren in the summer and took them swimming then treated them to ice cream. They loved her potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Her spaghetti and meatballs and peanut butter fudge were favorites for all. Her home, stocked with pasta, cookies and jigsaw puzzles, was always open to any of us. She was in her element presiding over family gatherings, especially during the holidays; we often wondered if she slept during the Christmas season. There was never a dull moment with Mom. She was the heart of our family, always smiling, supportive, and so very generous.

To say Mom will be missed is an understatement. Her legacy lives on through her grateful and loving family. She is survived by her six children and their spouses: Teri and Phil Baccile, Wendy and Craig Cheplick, Don and Brenda Stocum, Darrin and Susanne Stocum, Susie and Jim Chaffee, Jim and Becky Stocum. She cherished her grandchildren Chrissy, Jason, Katey, Rachel and Nat, Sarah, Claire and Will, Ethan and Katey, and Eli and her great-grandchildren Madyson, Kamryn, Cadyn, Mia, Natalie, and the newest addition, Margot Esther. Mom also had several special nieces, nephews, and friends. The friendships she cultivated in the WG community are too many to name.

We welcome you to join us at the Seneca Lake Events Center at 586 East 4th St. in Watkins Glen, NY to celebrate our mother’s life on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1:00-4:00 p.m. Parking is free for guests. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Watkins Glen Sports Booster Club, 303 12th St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or your local food bank. A special thank you to Sherri Kelly, Schuyler County Ambulance, Schuyler Hospital, and all of the medical staff and first responders that helped us care for Mom as her health declined. Her family was grateful for the opportunity to care for her at home surrounding her with love and comfort in her final years with the dignity and respect she so richly deserved. We love her more than words can say and will carry her with us always.

The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting our family.