Obituary of Alma E. Hames

Alma E. Hames, age 89, long-time resident of Hawley and recent resident at Wayne-Delaware Manor in Beach Lake, died peacefully Tuesday evening, February 8, 2011, at Wayne Memorial Hospital. She was the widow of Charles L. Hames, who died in 1994. Born in Hershey, PA, on October 2, 1921, she was the eldest of four children born to Orie and Fannie Cocklin Grove. Her two brothers survive her: Evan Grove and wife Mildred of Hershey and Orie Grove and wife Kathy of Lancaster. Her younger sister Miriam Vail and nephew Marty Vail predeceased her. Injured at birth, Alma lived her formative years in a time before our society accommodated persons with disabilities. As a result, she struggled continually to prove that she was able to do what anyone else can do. All who knew her noted and admired her fierce determination to live a 'normal' life. Marrying after World War II, she moved to her husband's home in Hawley and wasted no time in making it her home too. A stay-at-home mom, she found several outlets for her considerable talents and energy. She was a faithful member of Cole Memorial Baptist Church, especially interested in working with children in the Sunday school program, vacation Bible school and Christmas pageants. An avid reader, she was part of the group who worked to create a public library in Hawley and then spent many years working as a volunteer librarian. Hawley's Helen Decker Blough Library bestows a volunteer award in the name of Alma and Charles Hames. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, a Girl Scout leader, and a member of the Wayne County Historical Society. Many elementary school children in the area gathered around to hear her stories of the Stourbridge Lion, the D & H Canal and the way life was 'once upon a time' in Wayne County. Moving from Hawley into Fallsdale Meadows Personal Care facility and then later to Wayne Delaware Manor, Alma joined Calkins Union Baptist Church and, despite her diminishing physical ability, enjoyed attending services and church functions whenever she could. In addition to her brothers, she is survived by two daughters: the Rev. Linda Sweezy and husband the Rev. Dr. M. Dwight Sweezy of Slatington, PA, and Constance Hoisl and husband George Hoisl of Nanuet, NY; five grandchildren: Marci Brand and husband Rex of Hawley, Brian Hernandez-Sandercock of Manhattan, NY, Jonathan Hoisl of Nanuet, NY, Allison Hoisl of Nanuet, NY, and Danielle Jurgensen of St. Joseph, MO; two great granddaughters: Ali and Lauren Brand of Hawley, PA; and a niece and three nephews: David and his wife Sarah Grove, Karen Grove, Earl Grove and Tim Grove. Alma is also survived by several dear friends whom she welcomed into her family and whose relationships she cherished over the years. A celebration of Alma's life will be held on Saturday, March 5th, at 2 PM at Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St, Hawley, PA, with visitation from 1 to 2 PM. Memorials contributions may be made to Helen Decker Blough Library, Main Ave., Hawley, PA 18428 or the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale, PA 18431.