Condolences

This is very sad news for me. I just learned the news on returning from some time away at Cape Cod. I didn't know we shared that. Maria was a friend and a colleague. I first met her when we both worked in the Leatherstocking section at Preferred Mutual. In 1998 the decision was made to separate the two organizations. I became president, and I invited Maria to join us in what was pretty much a new and risky venture. I was delighted when she threw in her lot with us. I never regretted asking her, and I hope she felt the same. I believe she was the senior employee at Leatherstocking. She was a model employee, always friendly with customers and staff, honest, diligent and loyal. And I considered her a friend. She will be missed.