Leona M. (Drake) Vann

Leona M. Vann of Ithaca passed away at Cayuga Ridge on Friday, February 23, 2024 at the age of 93.

Leona was born in Ithaca on February 1, 1931, a daughter of the late Walter and Helena (Baker) Drake. Growing up on the family farm, she developed a love for all animals at a young age. She worked at NCR for several years before taking a job at Willard Straight Dining Hall at Cornell. Leona worked there until retirement and made many cherished friendships while working there. She enjoyed traveling and was a master tomato canner and spaghetti sauce maker.  Leona loved her two children and they will fondly remember her as a wonderful, brave woman and she will be greatly missed.

Leona is survived by her son, James and his wife, Beverly Vann; daughter Linda Vann; and brothers, Terry, LeRoy, and Walter Drake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Courtney Vann in 1976; and sisters, Emma Debell and Jean Seleman.

The family will be present to receive friends from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. A Memorial Service will immediately follow, at 12:00pm, at the funeral home. Committal Prayers will be held at Frear Memorial Park following services.

The family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Leona’s memory to kindly consider PETA, 501 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23501.

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