Livonia/Avon: At age 43, Mistee passed peacefully on October 20, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. She was predeceased by her father James A. Best and her grandparents Richard “Gramps” and Beverly “Doda” Hughes. Survived by her parents Cindee and Michael Duryea of Livonia and siblings; Carrianne (Rob) Coyne of Avon, Jamilee (Jason) Montague of Swain, Ryan Duryea (Tricia Collins) of Livonia, Cory Best of Wayland, and Mandie (Morgan) Manuilow of FL; nieces and nephews, Sienna and Sawyer Montague & Abigail, Brayden, and Graysen Coyne, Cayden, Vanessa, Lawson and Cayci, Aleea, Lexi, and Emma; and grandmother Barbara Balding. Mistee is also survived by many loving family members, including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many friends & caregivers.
Mistee had a profound love of her family; it was the greatest reward in her life. The testimony to this was the largest smile she would wear whenever spending time with her family. Mistee had a special bond with animals and loved them all. Mistee was a very devoted Special Olympic athlete. She first attempted volleyball as a skill but found golf to be her niche, proving this by receiving the Gold Medal at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. Mistee was very punctual and committed to several jobs she held through Hilltop Industries.
The family would like to express gratitude to the several doctors and staff at Strong Memorial Hospital. Specifically Dr. David Nagel, MD, Dr. Michael Hannon, MD. And Dr. Bryce Aidukaitis, MD. We would also like to thank her cardiologist Dr. James Eichleberg for his devoted care through many years.
Family and friends may call on Wednesday, October 26th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY. Mistee’s Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 27th, at the Hemlock Baptist Church, 4738 S. Main Street, Hemlock, NY. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Livonia. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hearthside Cats, PO Box 282, Geneseo, NY 14454 or Special Olympics NY, 1 Grove Street Suite 216, Pittsford, NY 14534. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I’m so sad for everyone I’m sorry for your loss even in the group home I love mistee she was so fun to play golf with and dance with..
We are so very sorry to hear of Mistee’s passing. Our daughter, Hannah F, spoke very highly of her and adored her. She was really an example of how we all should be living our lives. I can see from the messages here that she will be missed by many. We are praying for you and your family during this most difficult time.
Prayers and Thoughts to Misty’s Family. Went on many Special Olympics Trips through the years. May she Rest In Peace.
I knew Mistee from Genesee Valley Rotary Camp. She was always so positive and cheerful. I enjoyed knowing her during her GVRC years. She was a very special lady. RIP Mistee HIL
Cindee, Michael & family
You may remember me from many years ago as coworkers at Livingston Co Dept. of Health. Although I did not know Mistee, I remember you speaking of her and that Mistee was such a sweet daughter. I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to all of you~~
Sorry for your lost.mistee was a great person that I am glad to have met at hilltop when we used to work together.
Your Pineview family will miss you so much. I hope you are no longer suffering, I hope you are at peace. I love you Mistee Best. Rest now.
Her smiles will be missed at Pizzaland for sure.
To Mistee’s family …
A gentle soul with a beautiful spirit …that is the way I will always remember Mistee. What a gift it was to have known her in school . I will always remember her smile and positivity ! May that be her legacy that will live in your hearts forever. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Dussault
I remember times when Mistee would come to the Avon Free library with her friends from the Community Home in Avon. She was always pleasant to talk with. I am sorry for your loss. She was a very special person. May she rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.
Mistee was one of my very first preschool students at Arc Children’s Services. I remember her bubbly personality and that big grin.I can still hear her voice. I also remember our field trip to the zoo when on the bus ride she flirted nonstop with my husband. He still remembers her almost 40 years later. I looked forward to seeing her periodically at the local Special Olympics track and field games. I also remember when she won that medal playing golf. She is one of those kids who wove herself right into the fabric of my heart -never to leave it.
It was a total shock to hear, she was precious and I enjoyed hearing from her from time to time. My sympathy to her family; especially Cindee. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lynette
Sorry to hear of Mistee’s passing. She was such a sweet girl when we were neighbors.
So very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Richard and Lorna Roberts
Mistee, you were a special and kind person with beautiful soul from the inside and outside. May you rest easy, my friend.
My sincere condolences to Mistee’s family, friends and for those who knew her.
Condolences to family and friends of Mistee’s.
I remember her over the years when I worked at Wegman’s
Geneseo. My our Lord bring comfort and love as we keep
our memories and love of Mistee in our hearts.
I remember Mistee in Primary School in Livonia. I remember she told me about her heart condition. It’s been many years. My sincerest condolences to her family. She was a sweet soul.
So very sorry to hear of Misty’s passing. What a sweet caring young lady to know. Sure she’ll be greatly missed by many
Your smile was contagious, your heart was giving, your personality, gentle and kind. You gave us all an example of what it means to be courageous. May we all strive to live our lives as beautifully as you did. Rest peacefully Mistee.