WATRTOWN, NY — Eleanor Dacey Percy passed away on April 12, 2019.
She was born in Endicott, NY, on March 30, 1933, a daughter of Robert F. and Frances R. Dacey. She was the first born of four children including Major General US Army Robert F. Dacey (deceased), Mary D. Malara (deceased), and Colonel US Army (Ret.) Richard P. Dacey and wife Peggy (Mason Neck, Virginia). She graduated from Holy Family School and Immaculate Heart Academy, going on to complete both Bachelor and Master degrees in Education at SUNY-Potsdam.
She was married to the late Harold S. Percy Jr. in 1952 at Sacred Heart Church in Massena, NY.
She is survived by five children, Stephen L. Percy (Portland, OR), Scott M. Percy and wife Mary Ellen Smith (Oakland, CA), Martha L. Percy-Meade and husband James Meade (Phoenix, NY), Gary D. Percy and wife Wen-Ying Chen (San Ramon, CA), and Katherine A. Percy (Oakland, CA), five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, a brother, nephews and nieces.
Eleanor was dedicated to education and learning, devoting 14 years to teaching at St. Patrick’s School, followed by 25 years at Immaculate Heart Central High School where she served as Chair of the English Department.
She was also active for many years as an officer of the family’s retail business, Smith & Percy, Inc., located in downtown Watertown, and later as a partner in Percy Antiques.
Gardening was a great passion for her, as well as traveling, cooking, and reading.
She has been a lifelong member of Holy Family Church.
Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Cumming Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18, at the funeral home with Fr. Steven Murray presiding followed by burial in Brookside Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers those who wish to make donations consider the Scholarship Fund at Immaculate Heart Central High School, 1361 Ives Street, Watertown, NY 13601.
