Obituary of Debra L. Symonds

Debra L. Symonds, 63, of Jordan Road, Woodhull, passed away on Monday, August 30, 2021 at St. James Hospital in Hornell surrounded by her loving family. Born in Corning on February 27, 1958, Deb was the daughter of the late Wallace and Rachel Nichols Strope. Raised in Addison, she was a 1976 graduate of Addison Central School. On March 11, 1978, Deb married Edwin T. Symonds at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Addison. Deb began a long career with Corning Inc., working as a process tech for over 20 years at Erwin Automotive and later at Sullivan Park, being employed from 1979 until her retirement in 2013. She and her husband Ed owned and operated the Bum Steer Restaurant in Elkland together from 2000 until 2020. Deb loved animals and had been a volunteer at the Hornell Area SPCA. She also enjoyed anything involving crafts, often taking classes in various craft skills. Deb’s greatest accomplishments and joys came from her beloved family. She was a wonderful wife, mom and grandma. Deb is survived by her husband of 43 years, Edwin Symonds of Woodhull, her children and spouses, Jolene and Jason Nusom of York, Pa, Josh Symonds of Elkland and Julie and Jacob Seeley of Addison, her grandchildren, Gracen, Gabriella, Genevieve, Georgia, Gavin, Alicia, Amore, Enviana, Julian, Evangeline, Huck and Rafe, her siblings, David (Denise) Strope, Don (Robin) Strope and Dixie Calimeri, mother in law, Norine Symonds, brothers in laws and sisters in law, Jim and Cathy Symonds, Joe and Mary Symonds and Margie and Tom Whispel along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Deb was predeceased by her parents, Wally and Rachel Strope, her brother in law, Joseph Calimeri and father in law, Edwin E. Symonds. Friends may call on Thursday, September 2 from 1-3 and 6-8 pm at the Woodhull Community Church, W. Main St. Woodhull, NY. Funeral services will be held there on Friday at 11 am with Pastor Brian Diffenbacher officiating. Burial will follow in Woodhull Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, Woodhull, NY.