Obituary of Iris R. Sisson

Our beloved mother, Iris R Sisson, 92, passed away peacefully on November 19th, 2022, in the Masonic Care Community of Utica, New York. She is now reunited with her predeceased, loving, husband, Robert C. Sisson Sr. She is survived by three children and two grandsons: Cheryl A. (Brad) Newton of Kennesaw, GA; Lynn G. Sisson of Old Forge, New York; and Robert C. (Mary Lynne) Sisson Jr. of Hernando, Florida, parents of Tyler Sisson and Kyle Sisson. Iris was born on November 11, 1930 (Veterans Day) in Rochester, New York, to Charles E. and Annette Rolfe. She spent her childhood summers in Eagle Bay with her close aunt, Mable Stark. In her later teen years she became the pastry chef for the Mohawk Hotel. After high school, she attended Keuka College and then Syracuse University. She met and married Robert C Sisson Sr., a World War II Veteran, and native of Penn Yan, New York. They enjoyed a long and happy partnership of 46 years together. They resided in Fulton, New York, for 35 years where they raised their family of three. Iris worked as the school dietitian, lunch program manager, and home economics teacher in the Hannibal Central School district for 35 years. During her tenure, she lobbied heavily in Washington, D.C. for Free and Reduced Rate Lunch Programs and was instrumental in obtaining state and federal funding for Hannibal as well as many other school systems. She was a member of the New York State School Food Service Association, the Oswego County School Food Service Association, and the American School Food Service Association. Other than her family, Iris had many "loves" in life, a huge one being children and the joy of Christmas. During that magical season our home was filled with the savory smells of seasonal baking which she freely shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Iris always cherished the Adirondack Mountains. Following retirement, she and "Bob" moved from Fulton, New York, to Eagle Bay, New York, where they enjoyed the spring, summer, and fall with winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, where they organized and looked forward to the annual Alcan retiree picnic. The event grew each year! Another love for Iris was travel, and she enjoyed many cruises and several family trips in her later years. Yet another part of her heart held a special spot for Veterans, and she donated to their cause generously. Iris was a beloved member of the Corner Stone Baptist church in Zephyrhills. Calling hours will be held at Townsend-Wood & Zinger funeral home in Penn Yan NY on Saturday, December 17, from 11am-12 noon with a funeral service to follow at 12:00pm. Instead of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to Towers to Tunnels and Shriners Children's hospital. Memories of Iris may be shared with her family at townsendwoodzinger.com