Thora E. Osborn, lifelong resident of Waterford, died Monday, February 4, 2013 at Edinboro Manor where she had resided for the past 4 1/2 years. Thora was 85 years old, born May 6, 1927 in Waterford to the late Charles and Eva Port Haynes. She married Robert E. Osborn on July 31, 1948, and he preceded her in death on May 10, 2011.
Thora was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and dedicated member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Waterford. As a lifelong member of the church, she served in many ways including with music ministry where she was the organist and pianist for over 30 years and was active with the choirs; and with the United Methodist Women and the various missions supported by the church. Thora also helped with the Waterford Food Pantry.
As a homemaker, Thora, along with her husband Bob, raised their family and, for many years, operated an egg production business that delivered eggs throughout Erie County. She loved special occasions when family and friends would gather for a meal at her home, she loved traveling with her husband, and she loved being a grandma.
Her family includes three children: Lee Osborn of Everett, WA; and Gerald (Susan) Osborn and Jeffrey (Margaret) Obsorn, all of Waterford; eight grandchildren: Chastity Osborn and Jodie Brigman, Anna, Ryan and Marcus Osborn, and Rustin, Carly and Elyse Osborn; one great-grandchild, Robert Brigman; her former daughter-in-law, Karin Lowe; and several nieces, nephews, and many cherished friends. Thora was preceded in death by her brother, Clifford Haynes.
Visiting hours will be at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be at the Asbury United Methodist Church, West 2nd Street, Waterford on Friday morning at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gary Donaldson officiating. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Donations may be made in memory of Thora to the Music Ministry of Asbury United Methodist Church.
To The Osborn Family-
I am so sorry to hear of Thora’s passing. She was a wonderful woman who touched the lives of so many! I have many wonderful memories of seeing Thora when I would stop by with my Grandma Dingle to get eggs in between deliveries. All the many memories of her at Asbury church…when she would play piano for us kids at Sunday school or during vacation bible school. Seeing her in the kitchen during tureens or vbs – she was always so kind! Thora was a wonderful woman, who loved you all so much. Hold your memories of her close – may she always be in your hearts…she will definitely live on in all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all….
I’m sorry to hear of Thora’s death.
I have wonderful memories of going up to Vaughn’s with Jeanie and Thora every time I came back “home” in the summer. We would just sit around and talk ALL DAY LONG. We covered every topic from A to Z and Thora would tell jokes but she could never remember exactly how they went, and that made them even funnier. We would laugh until our sides hurt.
I also remember taking piano lessons from her for 50 cents an hour.
She will be missed!