LaDorna Carol Fox

LaDorna Carol Fox, loving aunt

OLEAN - LaDorna Carol Fox passed away Thursday (March 27, 2025) at Olean General Hospital, with her loving family by her side.

LaDorna was born in Olean on Nov. 5, 1931, the daughter of the late Avery and Minnie Bott Turck. She married Roger E. Fox in the First Baptist Church on Sept. 25, 1950. He predeceased her Dec. 7, 2005.

An Olean High School graduate, she went on to study art with Adelaide Buck and Robert Blair.

LaDorna taught for several years and volunteered as an art teacher to senior citizens. She served as president of the Olean Art Association and exhibited locally and regionally for most of her adult life, taking many awards. She also worked with private collectors all over the country.

Taking a course in pottery from Goward Bartle, she went on to do pottery herself from 1979 until 2013, calling them "fox pots," and selling many of them through the years.

While working at AVX, LaDorna served as chief steward for the Office and Professional Employees International Union for six years, assisting in several arbitrations and contracts.

After leaving full-time work, she served on the last free common council in 1991 and 1992 as Ward 10 alderman. She served on the committees responsible for building Constitution Avenue and also to rezone the city from 1992 to 1993. After losing the re-election to the council, she took an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals, serving there until December 2016, also serving for several years on the Civil Service Commission.

LaDorna is survived by a nephew, Richard (Peggy) White of Holland; and a niece, Sandra White of Houston, Texas.

She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Roger; a son, Lawrence E. Fox; her sisters, Althea White and Lona Hoffower; and her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Fox.

A graveside service is planned for a later date, to be announced.

Memorials if desired may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Route 16N, Olean, NY 14760; or a charity of the donor's choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com.