MaryAnne West, 76, of Delhi, died peacefully at home in bed with her family by her side July 31, 2023, following a long illness.
She was born at the Old Delhi Hospital on Franklin Street in Delhi Jan. 15, 1947. She went to a one-room schoolhouse in Bovina from Kindergarten through fourth grade until going to the “big” school in Delhi. She graduated from Delaware Academy in 1965 and went on to receive a certificate of completion from cosmetology school in Oneonta. She married Dennis West on June 16, 1972, in a small ceremony at the Baptist Church in Delhi with their reception held at the Coach Lamp Inn in Bloomville.
MaryAnne had a really strong work ethic and owned several businesses throughout the years. She owned and operated a hairdressing/tanning salon out of her home for 30+ years, a health food store, laundromats in Delhi and Walton and had a wash, dry, fold service. In recent years she owned and operated The Delhi Liquor Store. Through her work she made lifelong friends and being there for her customers was always a priority. She enjoyed working because she loved her customers.
MaryAnne had a passion for helping animals and was very generous when it came to giving to a worthy cause. Some would say she was the “crazy cat lady.” Her other passions were gardening, cooking, gambling, and spending time with her family taking their quarters in whatever card game they were playing. Her grandkids brought her so much joy!
Some people that just met her in the last few years would be shocked to hear all the wild stories and how crazy she was. She lived life to the fullest and had a ton of fun. She also had a stubborn side and would let you know if she didn’t agree with you!
She was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Laura LaFever; brothers, John and Allan LaFever; and her longtime feline companion, Spunky.
MaryAnne is survived by her husband, Dennis; children Marne (Robb) Champlin and Aislynn (Kyle) Coager all of Delhi, grandchildren Benson, Oliver, Sylvan and Kiefer; brother Howard (Bense) LaFever of Morrisville, sister Susan LaFever of Bovina, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life open house will be held at Aislynn Coager’s residence, 2364 County Highway 18, Delhi, Aug. 19 starting at 1 p.m.
A private graveside service will be held at Bovina Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of MaryAnne may be made to The Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, P.O. Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753.
Visit www.hallandpeet.com to share a condolence with MaryAnne’s family.
