Obituary of Ella Frary Stacy

Canton, NY-

Ella (Frary) Stacy, 100, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at United Helpers Maplewood Campus in Canton, NY.  She was the first daughter of Hester and Walter Frary, was born into the “Greatest Generation” on June 10, 1923. She quickly exemplified the qualities that today, we recognize in people of that era. Graduating from North Lawrence High in 1939, and in 1941 from CCBI at 18, Ella demonstrated her intelligence, grit, and courage that continued throughout her life. After graduating, this amazingly polite and humble lady, took her first accounting job with the Massena Railroad Company, an unusual step for a single woman in 1941. In 1942 Ella married Merton Stacy from Parishville. In 1953 they moved to Canton where they continued their 56 years of marriage until Merton passed in 1998. 

In addition to helping “Mert” with his bookkeeping for Stacy’s Sunoco, Ella worked for the St. Lawrence County Social Services Accounting Department for 25 years. Ella, a soft spoken and gentle soul, was a Sunday school teacher for years. She was a member of the Canton United Methodist Church, The United Methodist Women and the E.J. Noble Guild. Her friendships and religious commitments guided her to belong and lead in the Nicholville Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for 40 years. She served as Matron in 1954 receiving special recognition in NYC.

After retirement, Ella continued with her voracious reading which included diverse literature, magazines and newspapers. She was delighted when she could share a good book with an interested friend! She enjoyed visiting residents at various nursing homes to keep them company, and bring them smiles.  Until her perfect penmanship failed her, lucky were the people who received one of her many compassionate and “newsy” letters. 

Her greatest joys involved spending time with her family.  She always welcomed them to her home making special meals of their favorite foods. She loved traveling to their homes so she could visualize them when they were apart. 

Ella is survived by her son David of Canton, her daughter Carol (Ron) of Fayetteville, NY, “adopted” son, John Knowlton, (Nancy) of Pinehurst, NC..

She will lovingly be remembered by her grand- children Alexandra (Kevin) Lewis, Samantha (Brian) Pilger, and Maggie Stacy, mother of Kim Stacy, Krista (Daniel) Molloy, Brian (Beverly) Stacy, and Kate Knowlton. Ella was especially proud of her nine great-grandchildren. 

Ella is also survived by her two sisters, Joan Raymonda of Norwood and Jean Sutton of Canton. She is predeceased by her sister Kathleen (Newland) Aiken, brother Walter (Freida), brothers-in-law Glendon Sutton and Harold Raymonda. 

The Stacy family would like to thank the entire staff of Canton United Helpers for the compassionate care Ella received from the Assisted Living, the Nursing Home, and Physical Therapy teams. In addition, we thank Sue Monroe of Canton, a friend and care giver who helped Ella for many years. 

Friends and family may call from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, June 7, followed by a funeral service in celebration of Ella’s life at Lawrence Funeral Home, 21 Park Street, Canton with Rev. Martha Helmer officiating.  Burial will be in Lawrenceville Cemetery. 

Condolences and tributes may be shared with the family by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Canton Fire Department, Riverside Drive, Canton, NY 13617.