Obituary of Erdina L. Chamberlain

Erdina "Dena" L. Chamberlain age 85 of Horseheads, Ny formerly of Elmira Heights, NY passed away on Sunday July2, 2023. She was born on October 1, 1937 in Towanda, PA the daughter of the late Ernest and Carolyn Wilcox Chamberlain. In addition to her parents, Erdina was pre-deceased by her brother Carlyle (Faye) Chamberlain, her godson Ken Steele and her best friend Jean A. Hoyt. Erdina graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School and served in The US Air Force where she participated in her unit's basketball and softball teams. Dena love sports and games, both watching and playing. She lived an adventurous life, traveling to all 50 states except Alaska and visiting several different countries during her military service such as Germany and Japan. One of her favorite pastimes involved collecting state quarters in collector's albums with her grandchildren. She was a deeply religious individual who loved the community of Higher Hope Church in Big Flats and was a longtime member of The Horseheads Moose Club. Dena is survived by her brother Herb (Judy) Chamberlain ; her daughter Pamatha (Mark) Nickerson ; her grandchildren Laken Nickerson , Christian Nickerson , and Abigail (Preston) Nickerson ; her beloved goddaughters Tonya (Pat) Zeigler and PJ "Jean" (Chuck) Buck ; her godsons Daniel (Tina) Wilber . James (Nikki) McCoy , Andy (Samantha) Steele , and Nick (Heidi) Steele along with their children and her cat Diva . Her family , both related and unrelated , always remained dear to her heart. Erdina helped raise just about everyone listed above. She dedicated much of her time to supporting her daughter and her family as well as her community. She was a fighter, battling and beating cancer more than once. Dena exemplified perseverance and understood the value of the opportunities and gifts that came her way. She was truly a one-of-a kind soul who will undoubtedly be remembered, missed , and carried on by those fortunate enough to have known her. She lived and breathed a lesson she told others often, carrying a sense of gratitude for the life she was give regardless of the circumstances. Dena will continue to make us smile long after she is gone. For all the things we cannot do and all the things we could have done and never did; for all the things we did and all the things we will now do because of her; her presence decorates every waking moment of our lives We were and still are incredibly lucky to have had or "Gramcracker". Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Erdina's Gravesite Services Saturday September 2, 2023 at 1 PM in St. Mary Our Mother Cemetery (North Section) . Arrangements are entrusted to the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS ,NY . Words of Condolence and Memories may be shared at www.lynchsfuneralhome.com .