Erma Jean Urda

Erma “Jean” Urda, age 86, of Greene, beloved and dear wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister died Sunday, December 3, 2017, at Elizabeth Church Manor Nursing Home in Binghamton.  Jean was deeply committed to her family and loved big family gatherings and all parties.  Born August 2, 1931, in Liberty Township, PA, she was the first born of four children to Sylvestal and Lucy (Strope) Roe, who both predeceased her.  She graduated from Montrose High School and worked at IBM Endicott and the Gas Company in Binghamton.  On October 19, 1957, she married Fred A. Urda at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Binghamton.  She and Fred lived in Smithville Flats on the family farm, where they worked hard and made their life together.  They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  Jean is survived by her husband, Fred; daughter, Pam (Steve) Northrup of Greene; son, Rick (Kim) of Ithaca; daughter-in-law, Anita of Greene.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amanda (Geoff) Wells, Andrea Northrup, Zachary and Jennifer Urda, and Daniel and Charlie Urda, as well as two great-granddaughters, Norah and Ava Wells.  Jean is also survived by her sister, Audrey Dunlap; her brother, Butch (Bonnie) Roe; and her sisters-in-law, Dianne Urda and Bonnie (Dick) Stica, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was pre-deceased by her brother, Carleton (Sonny) Roe; her son, Fred (Ted) Urda, and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in law. Jean was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Greene, having been very active in the Altar and Rosary Society in previous years.  She was well known for her excellence in planning church luncheons and parties, and her cooking was widely acclaimed.  Her planning and cooking expertise were frequently requested, especially her Halupki, City Chicken, and cookie trays.  She enthusiastically shared those recipes and “secret tips” to Pam, Anita, and her granddaughters.  Jean liked tending to her flowers and enjoyed her trips to the NY and Florida casinos. Jean and Fred sold the farm in Smithville and moved to Greene in 1985.  They wintered in New Port Richey, FL, for 23 years and made long lasting friendships with people from all over the world.  They considered their Colony Cove friends their second family, and they had so many good times there. They also loved to travel and took many trips, including the Grand Canyon and western US, Mexico, Holland, Nova Scotia, and Alaska. The family would like to thank Tracie Puglisi for the help and care she gave to Jean, as well as the staffs of Wilson Hospital South Tower 3 and Elizabeth Church Manor for the care they gave Jean in her last weeks.    Jean’s family will receive friends on Friday, December 8 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Root Funeral Home, 23 N. Chenango Street, Greene NY 13778.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 9 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 1180 State Hwy 206, in Greene, with a luncheon to follow.  Burial will take place in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Greene Fire Department, the American Cancer Society, or any charity of your choice.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rootfh.com.

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