Mae L. Bales

Mae Bales, age 95, of Clearwater Florida, passed away peacefully on November 3rd, 2019. Mae was born on April 1st, 1924 in Johnson City, New York. She lived in Sanitaria Springs, New York. Part of her time spent in New York, she also lived in West Colesville, named after her ancestors, the Coles. Mae lost her first husband, her high school sweetheart, after 6 months of being married, when the bomber he was navigating was shot down during the war. Mae was introduced to her second husband, through her father. Her father was the Veterans service agent who was helping a young soldier, which was seriously injured. That young soldier, Carl Sr., would be the person who Mae would spend the next 40 plus years with. They raised 2 children together, a son and daughter, along with several foster children. Carl and Mae moved to Dunedin, Florida permanently in 1967. Mae and Carl enjoyed traveling and camping around Florida. When their grandchildren were old enough, they enjoyed traveling in the camper with them during the summer. She was also a certified scuba diver and loved to explore the oceans with her husband. Mae continued to enjoy traveling throughout her life to such places as Alaska and Israel. Mae was very active in her church, Lakeside Community Chapel. She loved to bake, cook and garden. But more than anything, she was devoted to and beloved by her family. Even as her health declined, she would continue to push herself to plant and keep up her garden. Her best friend and husband, Carl Sr. preceded Mae in death in 1985. Mae is survived by son, Carl Jr., and daughter, Patricia; 2 grandchildren, Ronald and Jennifer; and 2 great-grandchildren, Audrina and Giuliana.