James Taylor, Sr., 76, master plumber
HUDSON—James Joseph Taylor, Sr., 76, peacefully fell asleep in death in the cool early morning of August 26, 2011 at Columbia Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving wife of 55 years, his children, grandchildren and close friends.
Born July 3, 1935 to Joseph and Mae Taylor, he was a lifelong resident of Hudson who was loved by many.
Best known in the community as a master plumber, he loved boating on the Hudson River and the Yankees. Until his death, he was an active member of the Federation of Polish Sportsmen.
He is survived by his wife, the former Susan E. Mathews, whom he married November 11, 1956. Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Deborah Bolstad and her husband, Carl of Hudson and Donna Pough and her husband, Keith of Ancram; four sons, James Joseph Taylor, Jr. of Lenox, MA, Joseph Taylor of Hudson, David Taylor and his wife, Jeanette of Catskill and Alex Taylor of Hudson; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother, Lewis Mueller of Hudson.
He is predeceased by one brother, Cecil Mueller and three sisters, Irene Gardinier, Helen Webster and Kathleen Taylor, all formerly of Hudson.
His family will miss him dearly. He loved his wife and family and gave of himself to everyone. He loved his 35 race horses, but loved one especially, his stallion, Bright Cat, who died unexpectedly this year. Most of all he loved Jehovah God and reading the Bible, dedicating his life to Him through baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As we promised you Dad, we will see you in the Resurrection and welcome you to a new heaven and a new earth.
The family had calling hours Friday, September 2 at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Taylor may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Tribute Program, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To leave a message for the family go to www.batesanderson.com.
Ida Gregory, 95, put family and friends first
HUDSON—Ida Rose (Hamm) Gregory, 95, of Clermont, formerly of Hudson, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
For the last four years, Mrs. Gregory lived in Clermont with her devoted grandson, Ronald P. Seymour.
Born September 15, 1915 in Hudson, she was the daughter of the late Paul R. Hamm, Sr. and Margaret Rose (Landa) Hamm. She lived all her life in Hudson.
Mrs. Gregory was a homemaker and always put her family and friends first. She was devoted to them and enjoyed spending time with them.
She was a life member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Greenport and the Willing Workers Society; a life member and past president of the Phoenix Hose Ladies Auxiliary and a former member of the Claverack Homemakers and the Claverack Home Bureau. Mrs. Gregory was talented and artistic in making crafts for family and friends and enjoyed playing cards.
She is survived by: her beloved daughter, Joan Gerber of East Chatham; three grandchildren, Ronald P. (Andrea) Seymour of Clermont, Floyd R. Seymour of Stottville and Robin (Terry) Lea Eldred of Queensbury; 15 great-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Floyd O. Gregory; her son, Floyd A. Gregory; her grandson, Robert L. McCagg, Jr. and her brother, Paul Hamm, Jr.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, September 3 at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson, with the Reverend Ken Coddington officiating. Burial was in the West Ghent Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 555 Joslen Boulevard, Hudson 12534. To leave a message for the family go to www.batesanderson.com.
Ellen First, 87, volunteer, family was her pleasure
CLAVERACK—Ellen Marie Keil First of Claverack, passed away August 30, 2011 surrounded by her devoted children.
She was born May 1, 1924 to the late Gotlieb and Lydia (Kiel) Keil.
She was a 1942 graduate of Hudson High School and a lifelong area resident.
Mrs. First was a homemaker and mother of four children. She married Walter C. First on June 13, 1943. Her main interest and pleasure was her family and she greatly enjoyed family gatherings.
She is survived by: three children, William First (Mary), Barbara “Bobbi” First Bush (Larry Walker), and Jeffrey First (Brenda); her grandchildren, Lisa First Small (Andrew), William First, Jr. (Stephanie), Brian First (Trisha), Jennifer First, Matthew Bush (Clare), Christian Bush (Amity), Crystal First Nabozny (Mathew) and Meghan First; her great-grandchildren, Kaylee Myint, Jordan Bonetsky, Danny First, Sage and Samantha First, Caroline and Matthew Small, Noah Warfield, Brooklyn Nabozny, Mason First and Dahlia Bush; her sister, Phyllis Keil (Chet) Havlik (George); a sister-in-law, Joyce Keil; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her husband, Walter C. First; her son, Donald “Moe” First; her brother, Chester Keil; a sister, Murial Keil; and a great-granddaughter, Rylee First.
As a young woman, Mrs. First devoted her time to volunteer work. She was chair of the Columbia County Fresh Air Fund and served as a host family for many underprivileged children from the city. She also served as chair of the Red Cross Blood Donor Program and served on the Board of Directors of the Hudson Day Care Center. She volunteered at the Amtrak Station Snack Bar and at the Second Show Thrift Shop. She was a member of the Columbia Memorial Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and the Hudson Junior Service League. She was named Woman of the Year by the Hudson Jaycee’s for her community service and volunteering.
Mrs. First was the owner and operator of the Olde Klaverrack Country Store and the Olde Klaverrack Craft Fairs.
Funeral services were Sunday, September 4 at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. Burial was in Stuyvesant Falls Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hudson Day Care Center or the Second Show Thrift Shop.
