Obituary of Carrie E. Lally

Carrie (Hallock) Lally, 88, went peacefully to be with the Lord on September 13, 2011, surrounded by family, at the Chenango Memorial Hospital. She was born on August 11, 1923 to Cecil and Olinda (Dedrick) Hallock in Sidney Center. Carrie attended the Chapel Hill School, a one-room school house, through the eighth grade with one and only teacher and mentor, her beloved Mrs. Beatrice Edwards. Later, Carrie achieved a High School equivalency diploma at age 57. From a young age, Carrie took an active role in her church, especially with musical programs, Sunday School and Weekday Religious Education. She was a stable influence, mentor to many, and the organist for 74 years at the Sidney Center United Methodist Church. Carrie was a charter member of the Maywood Historical Group, an avid photographer, the organist for weddings, and a piano teacher to over 100 students, young and old. Not only was she known for her music, Carrie's candy-bar cookies were famous worldwide. In 1954, she toured Europe as part of the "Friendship Caravan", a group organized by Pastor Bill Lyon to foster closer ties with people in other countries. On New Year's Eve in 1955, Carrie and Edwin Lally married and were together for 47 years. They were the fifth generation to live in the same house where Carrie was born. Later in life, they moved to Unadilla and then to Sidney Senior Village, where they spent 13 happy years. There, Carrie played for sing-a-longs and enjoyed wonderful friendships with fellow residents. Carrie is survived by her three children: Anna (and Richard) Marchant of Norwich, NY; Joseph (and Lisa) Lally of Sidney Center, NY; John (and Melisa) Lally of Santa Clara, CA; grandchildren: Alicia and Ryan Marchant; Joey (and Jolene) Lally, Aimée and Erin Lally; Alexandra, Matthew, Michelle, and Jessica Lally; and great-grandchildren: Hannah and Cady Lally. Also surviving are Carrie's niece, Lenora H. (and Fran) VanLoan of Unadilla, NY, and children: Pam (and Joshua) Ostrander and their children: Katie, Sarah and Jason; Patrick (and Sarah) Hallock; Ashley and Shelby VanLoan. She was predeceased by her husband in 2002. A "Memorial Celebration" is being planned for Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 3:00 PM with a reception following. As per her wishes, the service will be held at the Sidney Center Baptist Church. Donations in Carrie's memory may be made to the Maywood Historical Group, P.O. Box 298, Sidney Center, NY 13839. Burial will be at the Sidney Center Highland Cemetery.To send a message of condolence to the family, and for additional information, please visit the funeral home website at landersfh.com/.