Obituary of Jill M. Conklin

Jill Elaine Mitchell Conklin, 80, of Vernon, NY, passed away at Oneida Hospital on August 3, 2023, of a stroke, following a courageous and successful fight against cancer. Jill was born on March 5, 1943, in the town of Lenox, NY, to Stanley Mitchell and Myrtle Nichols. Jill was a three-sport varsity athlete and cheerleader at Stockbridge High School, graduating in 1960. In her youth, Jill was an amateur drag racer in her beloved 1967 GTO, and she enjoyed flying after earning a recreational pilot's license. Given her penchant for conversation and her sense of humor, Jill went on to make many friends professionally, first at Clover Farms in Sherrill, then during her long career at Oneida Limited, where she supervised the OL showroom (the Blue Room) in the Sales Office, and finally at Vernon Downs, where she held several management positions. After retiring in 2018, Jill honed her game show skills and enjoyed keeping sharp while watching a raft of quiz shows daily, including her favorite, Jeopardy. Jill is survived by her son, Eric Conklin, and daughter-in-law, Trine Vanderwall, of Haverford, PA; granddaughter Kit Conklin of Williamstown, MA; grandson Tate Conklin of Haverford, PA; brother John "Jack" Mitchell and family of Canastota, NY; and brother Otto Mitchell and family of Oneida, NY. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. in the Lounge at the Mansion House, 170 Kenwood Avenue, Oneida, followed by a private family service at a later date. The family would like to thank Jill's friends Mark and Janice Goff and Kim Snyder as well as the medical professionals at Roswell Park Cancer Center in Buffalo, the Volunteer Fire Company of Vernon, and the Oneida Hospital for their help. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the VVS Education Foundation (formerly VVS Dollars for Scholars), an organization of great impact to Jill.