In Memoriam

Norma L. Onyan

COOPERSTOWN—Norma Louise Onyan, a long-time resident of Cooperstown, entered into eternal rest Friday afternoon, July 21, 2023, at her home on the southern shore of Otsego Lake in the Village of Cooperstown. She was 92.

Born December 13, 1930 in Wichita, Kansas, she was one of eight children of Ernest Edward Rothwell and Myrtle Grace Powell Rothwell.

In her youth, she and her family moved to New York State and settled in Peekskill. She would later move upstate, and for a time was employed by McCredy Motors in Sherburne. Norma moved her family to Cooperstown when she was employed at Smith-Cooperstown Inc. as the office manager.

Norma is survived by her son, Gregory L. Onyan of Fly Creek; a daughter-in-law, Wendy A. Onyan of Fly Creek; grandchildren, Jacqueline Savoie (Benjamin), Joshua Onyan, Amanda Swatling, Garret Bucklad and Joanna Onyan; and great grandchildren, Nathaniel and Christopher Savoie, Gillian and Addison Onyan and Cole and Liam Hribar. She is further survived by her siblings, Geraldine Irwin, Edward Rothwell and wife Frances, Roy Rothwell, Loren Rothwell, sister-in-law, Sally Rothwell, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved, Edward C. Smith, who died January 21, 2017; two sons, Bradley Onyan, who died March 26, 2004, and Terry Onyan, who died October 15, 2022; her daughter, Louise Ann Wayman, who died April 24, 2023; a granddaughter, Christina Wayman Selan, who died April 3, 2007; a sister, Carolyn Miles; and two brothers, Richard and Robert Rothwell.

Norma’s family extends their thanks and appreciation to all the dear friends and healthcare workers and Helios Staff for all the care and support they provided which allowed her to remain in her beloved home on Otsego Lake.

At the request of the family, services will be private. She will be laid to rest alongside Ed and Bradley in Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown.

In lieu of flowers, Norma’s family respectfully requests that memorial donations be directed to the Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.