Early Owego Antique Center co-founder dies at age 68

OWEGO — Early Owego Antique Center co-founder and longtime Binghamton University employee Cornelia Dana Mead died on April 12, at the age of 68, after a six-year battle with ovarian cancer, the multi-dealer antique store announced.

Mead provided leadership and financial expertise at Early Owego Antique Center since 2013. She was also the co-founder, co-owner, and record keeper for a number of family businesses and also created the financial, regulatory, and freight accounting systems for the Tioga Central Railroad Co. Over the years, Mead lent her support to a number of organizations and projects including the Tioga Arts Council, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County, the Wayne County Historical Society, and the State Employees Federated Appeal at Binghamton University, which she chaired. Mead also worked as a board of elections poll worker. Mead attended The Brearley School, the University of Michigan, and Cornell University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and met her future husband James G. Mead, according to her obituary posted by Richards Funeral Home in Owego. In 1998, Mead earned an MBA at Binghamton University which led to her 24-year career at the school, rising to assistant VP for student affairs administration and auxiliaries. “She is remembered as an insightful professional mentor and a champion of students.” Mead is survived by her husband; two children, Katharine Mead and James Mead; a brother and sister; her grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for June 7 at the Howland Farm in Newark Valley.