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GENESEO – Over 100 regulars said goodbye to the founder of Aunt Cookie’s Sub Shop on Monday by posting their favorite sub orders to Facebook.

Carolyn ‘Cookie’ Yarnes, 78, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2016. The Geneseo Store & Royaltees Screenprinting Co. made the following Facebook post on Thursday, which garnered over 240 ‘reactions’ and 150 comments by Saturday:

“This week on Main Street we lost a legend. Carolyn ‘Cookie’ Yarnes, founder of Aunt Cookies Sub Shop, died at the age of 78. There isn’t a local brand in Geneseo more iconic than Aunt Cookies and it continues to be a favorite with townies, students and alums. Main Street is a better place because of ‘Cookie.’ To honor Cookie, post your ‘go-to’ sub order below…”

Comments instantly began pouring in with condolences and memories of Yarnes and Aunt Cookie’s, which she founded at 76 Main Street, Geneseo, in 1971. The business is owned by Yarnes’ son and continues to flourish as ever.

“1/2 turkey on Italian no onion,” posted Betsynjeff Vanvolkenburg. “My husband and I had our first date at aunt cookies..holds a special place in our hearts.as does gale and cookie yarnes..I’m sending positive energy and prayers to all who loved Cook…”

“Best roast beef sub ever,” posted Cara Hanrahan. “Great little road trip and now my daughter is there so even easier. Roast beef on toasted Italian roll, lettuce, tomato, onion a little oil and easy on the mayo……bliss for decades now! Back when I was at SUNY Geneseo I had the pleasure of working for her son at The Cottonwood and served Cookie and Gale regularly. Great people. Condolences to the family.”

“I still make a point to ride my bike down to Cookies every Columbus Day from Brockport and back,” said Will Haines. “I call it the Aunt Cookies ride. I went to Geneseo and met my wife there. The subs are delicious and iconic.”

According to an obituary published by Rector Hick’s Funeral Home, Yarnes was born August 25, 1937 in Flushing, NY the daughter of Frank and Hilda Streichert Filiberto. She was predeceased by her husband Gail in 2013 and sister Arlene Kelder.

She is survived by her children, Scott (Joanne) Yarnes of Conesus, Craig Yarnes of Sterling, AK, Erick (Cindy) Yarnes of Kenai, AK, Karyn (Andre) Dattero of Great River, NY, grandchildren, Sarah Yarnes, Michael (Cody Anne) Yarnes, Adam (Julie) Yarnes, Richard (Liz) White, Chemaine, Kearstin and Connor Yarnes, Michaila and Payton Dattero, three great grandsons, Blake and Jonah White, Emory Yarnes, many nieces and nephews including Ellen O’Dell and Frank Kelder.

Friends may call Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo. Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the Livingston County C.N.R. (Activity Fund), 11 Murray Hill Dr., Mt. Morris, NY 14510.