Audrey Koran, 64, performer, motivator
By DEBORA GILBERT
TAGHKANIC—Audrey M. Koran, 64, died Saturday, April 23 at home.
A cousin of the Skoda farming family, she grew up spending summers with them on their dairy farm in Taghkanic.
She returned to live in Taghkanic when she purchased a house there in the 1980s. There, she lived with her partner in life, Tom Youhas, Taghkanic highway superintendent, who survives.
She bought the house completely furnished, which included a wood cook stove that she relished preparing food on, said her close friend of 20 years realtor Agnes La Salvia, who sold her the house.
Ms. Koran, who earned a master of arts degree in theater from Penn State College after graduating from Douglass College in New Jersey, was a member of the Actors Equity Association. She worked on Broadway and traveled with touring companies performing and working behind the scenes on productions of A Little Night Music, Prisoner of Second Avenue, and Educating Rita, before finding a position with the Playhouse on the Mall, in Paramus, New Jersey, as its resident manager. She also volunteered for the New Jersey arts organizations Dance Compass, the William Carlos Williams Center, the Center for Modern Dance Education and Destination Imagination.
In Taghkanic, Ms. Koran devoted her considerable energy and organizing skills to Taghkanic Neighbors, a nonpolitical civic organization formed in 2006.
“She was the engine behind Taghkanic Neighbors. We wouldn’t have done half what we have done if it wasn’t for Audrey,” said Ardith Truhan, a founding member of the organization. “She inspired and motivated all of us. She was dedicated to building community.” The organization’s successful gift basket auction, which is part of its annual late summer barbecue was her idea and will be named in her honor, said Ms. Truhan.
A regular at town meetings and other local affairs, Ms. Koran, was an outgoing and generous person who had many friends. She was looking forward to attending her Aunt Doris Skoda’s 90th birthday party, which was held April 23, and her son, Andrew Douglas’ wedding, which, in accordance with his mother’s motto, “The show must go on,” will take place Saturday, April 30.
Born May 26, 1946 in Passaic, New Jersey, Ms. Koran is the daughter of the late Andrew Koran and Theresa Berkowitz.
In addition to her partner and her son, she is survived by: her daughter Elizabeth Koran; her sister, Lorelei Koran Kaminsky (Roman Kaminsky); nieces, Theresa and Amanda.
Services will be Wednesday, April 27 at 303 Summit Avenue, Hackensack, NJ. Afterward, family and friends are invited to Barcelona’s Restaurant in
Garfield, NJ, to raise a glass to her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Ms. Koran’s name to The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, 474 Upper Montclair Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043.
Patrick Council, 33, sensed trends, loved everything French
SCHENECTADY—Patrick Kenneth Council, born November 24, 1977, passed away after a short illness at Ellis Hospital, April 21, 2011.
He was a resident of Niskayuna, where he lived with his loving parents, Estelle and Kenneth Council.
He attended the Albany Academy Schools and graduated from Nikayuna High School in 1995. He was a member of Jack and Jill and enjoyed language club, the ski club and debate club while in high school.
He attended Gettysburg College and SUNY at Oneonta as a young adult and was a valued employee of Time Warner Cable.
He was a lover of all things French and was loved by all who knew him. Mr. Council exemplified kindness, patience and generosity. He constantly smiled and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of his short time with us. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate trends before they became trendy.
Mr. Council is survived by: his parents, Estelle (Miller) Council and Kenneth Council; his brother, Matthew Council (Raushannah) of Phoenix, Arizona; his nieces, Laelah and Samirah;numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Services will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at the Vineyard Community Church, 121 Rensen Street, Cohoes. Repast for family and friends will follow the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, Hudson. To leave online condolences visit www.batesanderson.com.
Agnes Soney, 89, hospital admitting clerk
HUDSON—Agnes M. Soney, 89, of Claverack, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born December 15, 1921 in Philmont, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Edna (Powell) Wolfe.
Mrs. Soney was employed as an admitting clerk at Columbia Memorial Hospital for over 15 years. She lived all her life in the area.
She is survived by: her daughter, Catherine Powell of Claverack; her brother, Joseph Wolfe, Jr. of South Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Stephen Soney.
Graveside services will be conducted Friday, April 29, 2 p.m. at Cedar Park Cemetery with the Rev. Dan Herrick officiating.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. To leave online condolences, visit www.batesanderson.com.
