IN MEMORIAM: Necia K. McLean, 91;
Worked At Bresee’s, Ran Trucking Firm
ONEONTA – Necia K. McLean, 91, a fixture in Bresee’s infant department for years who later operated a trucking firm in Plattsburgh with her husband, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at the Focus Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Cooperstown.
She was born on May 1, 1925 in Gilbertsville, a daughter of the late William and Minnie (Halbert) Kilsby. On Oct. 4, 1942, in Gilbertsville, Necia married James E. McLean, and they celebrated 53 years of marriage together until James passed away in March 1996.
Necia began her working career at Bresee’s Department Store in Oneonta, where she was a fixture in the infants department. She really enjoyed her time there and the people that she worked with. She also loved working with her customers, many of whom would only come in to shop in her department when they knew she would be working.
Later in life, Necia and James moved to Plattsburgh, where they operated a trucking business together. In her spare time Necia was an avid bowler, a hobby that she enjoyed into her 70’s. At different times, she had joined several local teams in her area. She was also a member of the Plattsburgh and Oneonta Elks’ lodge.
She will be missed most for being a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother who was always very actively involved in their lives. In quiet moments, she loved looking out her window and watching her birds, especially her cardinals, and admiring her pansies.
Necia is survived by her five children, Dennis (Mary) McLean of Tennessee, Sue (John) Parker of Edmeston, Gary (Cathy) McLean of Georgia, Michele (Mike) Melia of Rhode Island and Scott (Laura) McLean of Florida; and her 18 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Also, her daughters-in-law, Donna Currie of Oneonta and Ruth McLean of Wisconsin; her special nieces, Faith (George) Pratt of Altamont,Gail (Howard) Cross of New Berlin, and Darlene (John) Cross of New Berlin, and by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sons, Paul and Marc McLean; her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Bill Shaw; and her sisters, Garnet Townsend and Carol Aylesworth.
A graveside memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, in the Glenwood Cemetery, Main Street/State Hwy 7, Oneonta, with the Rev. Harvey Lang, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Necia’s family requests that you kindly consider making a donation in her memory to the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the First Baptist Church of Morris, New Organ Fund, 50 Broad Street, Morris, NY 13808.