Sarah Bellinger

Schoharie- Sarah E. Bellinger, 94, passed away October 25, 2009 at the Scotia Baptist Nursing Home, after a long illness.

She was born June 27, 1915 in Warwick, NY, daughter of Henry Clay Michael Specht and Bridget (Breslin) Specht. Sarah was the youngest of ten children. The family relocated in Schoharie County in 1927.

Sarah attended schools in Middleburgh and Cobleskill. She was married in 1933 to Manly E. Bellinger and resided at 120 Grand Street in Schoharie for 54 years. She and Manly ran Bellinger's Meat Market on Main St., Schoharie for many years. She became well known for her homemade ice cream that she made and sold in the store. In 1987, she sold the family home and moved to Junction Road, Howes Cave, to be near her son and grandchildren.

Sarah gave of herself selflessly to friends, family, and community most of her life. She was an active member of the Middleburgh Golden Age Club and attended and was active many years at the Schoharie United Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed working on the annual rummage sale held every Election Day. Outside of the organizations, she often provided transportation to many of her friends to appointments and other activities until she was unable to do so. Sarah enjoyed traveling, always spending winters in Florida.

Sarah was predeceased by her husband on Oct. 1, 1968, as well as a sister, Rose Manchester, a brother, Henry Specht, and a grandson, Martin E. Bellinger.

She is survived by her son, Duncan (Shirley) Bellinger of Howes Cave; granddaughters: Ginny (Mark) Collins of Delanson, Sara Jane (Todd) Cipperly of Central Bridge, Ilene (Charles) Gaffney of Cobleskill, and Willa (Leonard) Zeh of Blairsville, Georgia. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Paul Collins, Kathryn Cipperly, Alexander Cipperly and Bridget Cipperly, as well as nephews and nieces: Michael Manley Specht of Middleburgh, Henry Specht of Tarboro, NC, Sarah Specht Harris of Middleburgh, Pat Smith of Central Bridge, Robert McTaggart of West Virginia, and Ron McTaggart of Cobleskill.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, Oct., 29, 2009 at Palmer & Shaylor Funeral Home, 134 River St., Middleburgh with Rev. Richard Hill of the Schoharie United Presbyterian Church officiating. Family and friends are also invited to a period of visitation at the funeral home from 2 to 3 PM on Thur., prior to the service. Burial will follow at Old Stone Fort Cemetery, Schoharie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 340, Schoharie, NY 12157, or Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 795 East Main St., Suite 11, Cobleskill, NY 12043.