Nan Hermus (1942 – 2012)
ALBANY—Nan Player Hermus, 70, who devoted her life to helping others, died Saturday, August 11 with her family by her side in Albany.
Mrs. Hermus lived in Germantown for almost 40 years with her husband Rami. They raised their son Michael there.
She was dedicated to the service of others through a career in social work, first with the City of New York, and then for more than 20 years with Columbia County. In 1996, Mrs. Hermus went to work for the YWCA of Ulster County to help troubled teens and unwed mothers. She retired in 2005, but continued to be active in her community helping those in need.
She was born to the late Willis and Doris Player, January 1, 1942 in Ann Arbor, MI.
She graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1959 and received a BA in psychology from the University of the Americas, Mexico City in 1964. She married Rami Hermus in 1971 and they lived together in New York City before moving to Germantown in 1973, when their son was born.
Mrs. Hermus was fascinated with genealogy and her family history, which in retirement led her to become an active member of Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling with her husband.
Mrs. Hermus is survived by: her husband, Rami; son, Michael; her sister, Jill Player Cotton; and two beautiful granddaughters made in her image, Alexandra and Samantha.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the YWCA of Ulster County, or the stained-glass window restoration fund at the Hendrick Hudson Chapter of the DAR.
A memorial service was held Saturday, August 18 at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, Kingston.
Arrangements were with the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home in Germantown.
Marian Battaglino (1928 – 2012)
LIVINGSTON—Marian E. Battaglino, 84, of Livingston died Friday, August 17 at her home.
Born March 4, 1928 in Hudson, she was the daughter of the late Leland and Marjorie (McLaughlin) Lasher.
Before she retired, she worked for more than 30 years as a legal secretary for the law office of Rapport and Meyers of Hudson.
Surviving are: her brother, Ralph Lasher of Virginia; two sisters, Lucy Rifenburgh of Germantown and Claire Joyner of Wisconsin; several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, John J. Battaglino, who died January 8, 2004.
Funeral services were Sunday, August 19 at the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home with the Reverend David Tipple officiating.
Interment followed in the Reformed Church Cemetery of Germantown.
Willis Coons (1941 – 2012)
ALBANY—Willis A. Coons, 70, of Valatie passed away Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Samuel Stratton Veterans Administration Hospital after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Born December 17, 1941 in Albany, he was the son of the late Willis J. and Helen Blanch (Law) Coons.
Before he retired, Mr. Coons was a mechanic for Columbia Tractor in Claverack for many years. He was also known to be a tractor and farming buff and enjoyed it very much.
He is survived by his siblings, Eleanor Meyer of Valatie, Lawrence Coons of Hudson, Allen Coons of Niverville and Linda Parslow of East Nassau and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Mr. Coons was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Adsit. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2012 in the North Chatham Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Samuel Stratton Veterans Administration Hospital, Albany. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Inc., Valatie.
