Obituary of Amaryllis M. Volk

Amaryllis M. Volk (Amy) 81, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2016, in her cherished home in Scotia, NY, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. At the time of her passing she had her loving husband, children and best friend at her side. Born on August 17, 1934, in Caroga Lake, NY, Amy was one of four children of the late William and Thelma Morris. She attended Wheelerville School in Caroga Lake, NY and in keeping with her keen sense of humor and her modest attitude, never failed to mention that she graduated as the valedictorian, in a class of three. Amy then attended Wheelock College, in Boston, MA, where she set her sights on a career teaching elementary school. She married her husband, Paul Volk, on April 17, 1954, following her junior year of college. After her graduation from college Amy and Paul first made their home together in Sudbury, MA, where they both taught school in the Lincoln-Sudbury area. In 1957, Amy gave birth to the first of three children, and then remained at home, raising her children. After a move to Scotia, NY, Amy began teaching again and went on to have a long and wonderful career as an elementary school teacher in the Scotia-Glenville School District, where she positively impacted so many children. Amy also had an eventful summer career in Caroga Lake in the 1970’s and 80’s when her husband, father and brother owned and operated Sherman’s Amusement Park and the Morris Foodarama store (renowned for Amy and Paul’s delicious doughnuts.) Amy worked tirelessly in the family businesses. Amy loved music, gardening, spending time at her Adirondack summer home, doing puzzles of any sort, reading and especially time spent with her friends and family. Amy enjoyed traveling abroad and was able to visit many places including many trips to Vieques, Puerto Rico, with her female friends, The Jugs (Just Us Girls). She was involved in all aspects of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives and would always attend as many of their school events and sporting events as possible. She was an avid walker and together with her best friend, Gail Girvin, walked miles and miles in scenic areas. Amy was involved in many volunteer activities and rejoiced in helping others. She volunteered her time without hesitation and took great pride in her work at the Whitney Book Corner, Proctor’s Guild, literacy programs, and caregiving for family and friends. Amy was a woman of great faith and was very involved with her beloved church, the Centre Glenville United Methodist Church, where her beautiful voice could always be heard in the choir. She also sang in the Mohawk Valley Chorus for many years, joining when she first moved back to New York and continuing throughout her life, missing very few concerts even while battling her illnesses and injuries. Amy is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Paul Volk, of Scotia, NY; her son, Paul S. Volk and his wife, Deborah, of Richmond, VT; her son Gregory P. Volk, of Brooklyn, NY; and her daughter Maryl A. Fabian and her husband John, of Rotterdam, NY. She is also survived by her brother William Morris and his wife Carol, and her sister, Tammie Subik and her husband James. Amy is survived by her four precious grandchildren, to whom she devoted so much time and energy and loved unconditionally: Christopher Fabian, Eric Fabian, Maximilian Volk and Ian Volk. Amy is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom she thought of so fondly. Amy is predeceased by her parents, William and Thelma Morris; and her brother, Ronald Morris, along with countless brother –in-laws and sister- in -laws, cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents, who all helped to shape her into the loving, caring and compassionate family-oriented woman that she was. Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 5-8 pm on Friday January 8, 2016 at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville, NY. On Saturday January 9, 2016, a funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm at the Centre Glenville United Methodist Church, Sacandaga Road (Route 147) at Bolt Road Glenville, NY. Following the service there will be a celebration of Amy’s life, as she wished. We would like to extend our deepest thanks to Amy’s best friend, Gail Girvin, to Community Hospice of Schenectady, to all providers of care at Capital Living Rehabilitation, and to Amy’s physicians, caregivers and friends. An amazing group of friends, family, clergy and care providers came together to support, encourage and comfort Amy, which allowed her to be in her home, until her very last breath, as was Amy and Paul’s wish. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Centre Glenville United Methodist Church, PO BOX 2772 Glenville, NY 12325-2772. It was Amy’s desire that her beloved church could be supported through her passing.