ILION - Naomi C. Garee, 89, widow of USAF Chief Master Sergeant, John S. Garee, passed away peacefully, Monday, December 21, 2015, at Mohawk Valley Healthcare Center, Ilion, NY. Born in Gassaway West Virginia, December 31, 1926; daughter of Cecil Clay and Clara Kay Cogar. She married John S. Garee in 1946. As an Air Force wife, home was many places; Gassaway, WV; Tokyo, Japan; Midwest City, Oklahoma; Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico; Andrews AFB, Washington DC; Newfoundland, CN; and Griffiss AFB, Rome, NY. After the death of her husband in 1963, Naomi and her 5 children moved to Doylestown, PA and then in 1967 to Herkimer, NY. Before retirement, she was the founder and president of Naomi C. Garee, Inc., Temporary Employment Services and Business Services, Herkimer, NY. Prior to opening her business in 1980, she held professional positions which included; Marketing Representative/Account Manager for McDonalds Corporation (winning both the Albany Region and National Marketing Award in 1978); Manager of the Better Business Bureau of Utica; General Manager of the Utica Symphony, Utica NY; Corporate Secretary and Personnel Director for Cogar Corporation, Utica, NY; and during the Korean War worked as a Civilian Typing Supervisor assigned to the Air Objectives Material Control Division, Tokyo, Japan. In 1987, Naomi was the first woman to be appointed to the Board of Directors of Fleet/Norstar Bank of Upstate NY, Mohawk Valley Region (now Bank of America). She served as Director/Officer for several organizations which included; Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, Valley Health Services, Inc., Mohawk Valley Regional Education Center for Economic Development, and Consultant Committee Member of Herkimer County BOCES Occupational Advisory Council. She completed business courses at Herkimer Community College and various correspondence school business programs; she also attended Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute of Art in Utica NY (and was a professional artist for many years). She was very proud to have been award the University of Hard Knocks Degree Honorary Alumnus Status of Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, WV. She was active in several charitable organizations including The American Cancer Society, Herkimer County Arts Council, Herkimer Hospital and served as president and member of the ZONTA International, Herkimer County Chapter. Naomi was an advocate of womens athletics at Herkimer County Community College and even into retirement was passionate about art and horse racing. Naomi was predeceased by her husband, CMSGT John S. Garee, USAF and son, Robert Garee of Minnesota. She is survived by: sons: John (Sandy) Garee of Seneca Falls, NY and Steve (Sue) Garee of Albany, NY; daughter-in-law: Charlotte Garee of Plymouth, MN; daughters: Janet (Mark) Drapalski of Herkimer, NY and Joyce Garee (Lyn Hazen) of Syracuse, NY; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, sisters; many nieces and nephews; and cherished friends and care givers. There will be no local services. Contributions may be made in Naomis name to The Ronald McDonald House. A grave site burial ceremony will be held at Arlington National Ceremony, Arlington Virginia where she will be laid to rest with beloved husband. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court Street, Herkimer.