Martelea J. Stewart Obituary (1924 - 2020)

Martelea (Lea) J. Stewart, age 95, of Corning, New York died Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Absolut Care at Three Rivers in Painted Post, New York. She was born August 13, 1924 in Corning to Charles A. Pock and Bessie E. (Miller) Pock and attended the one-room Spencer Hill School for grades 1-8 and graduated from Corning Free Academy in 1942. She worked at Corning Glass Works for several years doing secretarial work in the Electrical Products Division. She enjoyed her childhood years living with her parents, sister, and brother on her parent's farm. Martelea and Leland (Lee) Stewart were married on April 10, 1947 and bought their home on Spencer Hill after Lee returned home from serving in the United States Navy in World War II. They lived happily there for 67 years until May 2014 when Lee passed away. Lea remained there until September 1, 2016 (69 years) when she moved to assisted living at Bethany Village in Horseheads. Lea and Lee enjoyed their flower and vegetable gardens. They had lots of get-togethers with family, neighbors, church family, and other friends over the years. She volunteered many hours at Corning Hospital, Founders Pavilion, and Meals on Wheels. She was also an active member of West Caton Baptist Church. Lea is survived by her brother, Charles Pock and his wife, Betty, of Surprise, AZ; sister-in-law, June Betts and husband, Lester, of Painted Post; nieces: Christine M. (Pock) Kaliyanakis of Austin, TX, Cheryle Linda (Helm) Metzger of Orlando, FL, Judy Helm of Waxahachie, TX, Tammy (Helm) Mandell of Corning, NY, Patricia Vandusen of Ithaca, NY, Sharon Krouse of New Brighton, PA, Marilyn Kerr of Plattsburgh, NY; nephews: James Pock of Laingsburg, MI, Kevin Pock of Hudson Falls, NY, Steven Pock of Buckeye, AZ, Robert Pock-Pocano of Gilbert, AZ, William Helm of Canandaigua, Dennis Stewart of Corning, and David Stewart of Painted Post; and a very special lifelong friend, Helen Powers-Nichols of Corning. Lea was predeceased by her sister, Alida P. Pock in 1917 at birth; sister, Gertrude Pock Helm in 1955; and her nephew, C. Jay Helm who died in 2013. Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 7th from Noon until 2 PM at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc. 216 East First Street in Corning where funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Don Rice officiating. Burial will be in Barnard Cemetery in Corning. Memorial donations may be made in Lea's name to West Caton Baptist Church or to Corning Meals On Wheels. Martelea's family has entrusted her care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.