Ila Mae (Young) Sterling

Canandaigua – Ila Mae (Young) Sterling, age 92, a loving wife and mother, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024.  She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Dr. James Lloyd Sterling and granddaughter, Karen Sterling. She is survived by four sons, Doug Sterling (Lynne Weber), Dan (Ellen) Sterling, Mark (Sidney) Sterling and Mike (Susan) Sterling; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and four sisters, Ann Ebbrecht, Claris Chitirkin, Marion (John) Jorgensen, Margie (Dave) Meyers.

Ila attended Saint Lawrence University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math. There, on one fortuitous winter day, while she was babysitting at the dean’s house, she met Jim (the chapel bell ringer) when he arrived to report that the chapel bells had frozen. They married after graduating.

Ila and Jim settled in Medina NY where Jim established his 27 year Family practice while Ila did the difficult job of raising their four rambunctious sons. Through persistent will, good humor and a gentle manner she bonded them into a loving family. Ila was the magnet that made her home a hub for family gatherings. Many still warmly reminisce about the all the good times at the “Medina House”.

After Jim’s retirement they spent many wonderful years at their dockside condominium in Canandaigua where Ila hosted family and friends for barbecues and boating.

After Jim’s death in 2021, Ila spent 3 comfortable years at Clark Meadows, Canandaigua, aided by her niece and companion Melonie Cuppernell.

She will be deeply missed as we try to pass on her grace, wit and generous heart.

Services are private.  Inurnment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua. Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Ontario Co., 3040 Co. Rd. 10, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.