Linda J. Churton-Smith (1952 – 2013)
SHARON, CT—Linda J. Churton-Smith, 60, of Dover Plains and previously of Pine Plains passed away Friday, October 4, 2013 at Sharon Health Care Center.
She was born in Poughkeepsie, December 21, 1952, the daughter of Marjorie N. (Lown) Haire of Pine Plains and the late Herman A. Haire, Sr.
Ms. Churton-Smith was a dental assistant for Dr. Russell Edman at the Pine Plains Dental Group.
A kind, compassionate person, she was always smiling and willing to listen and help others. She was an avid lover of all animals, especially dogs. She raised and showed cairn terriers throughout her life. It was one of her many passions.
Ms. Churton-Smith loved holidays; Christmas was her favorite. Spending time with her children and grandchildren meant the world to her. She also loved music, singing and horseback riding. She will be most remembered for her infectious unique laugh and her vibrant feisty energy.
On September 13, 2003 in Pine Plains, she married Virgil C. Smith. He survives her in Dover Plains.
In addition to her mother and husband, survivors include: two daughters, Jessica Churton of Stanfordville, and Susanna Churton of Pine Plains; four grandchildren, Haley, Zachary, Malayna and Novalee; a step-daughter, Michelle Smith of Katonah; three sisters, Dorothy Simmons of Florida; JoAnn Lamont of Pine Plains and Sue Ellen Dougherty of San Diego, CA; three brothers, Herman A. Haire, Jr., of Pine Plains, Harold Haire of Ancram and James Haire of Pine Plains; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Wednesday, October 9 at the Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains, with the Reverend Carol Miller, officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 103 Poughkeepsie 12601 or Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park 12538.
Ann Jonas Crews (1932 – 2013)
RHINEBECK—The family of Ann Jonas Crews grieves the passing of their beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Sunday, September 29, 2013. She died with her husband and daughters at her side in Northern Dutchess Hospital.
She was born January 28, 1932 in Flushing, to Herbert and Dorothy Jonas. She lived most of her childhood in Long Island.
She attended Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, where she met her husband-to-be, Donald Crews. After graduation, she began work in graphic design. When Mr. Crews was drafted into the Army and posted to Frankfurt, Germany, she pulled up stakes and followed him. There the couple wed and had their first daughter, Nina. After the family returned to the United States, Mr. and Mrs. Crews worked as freelance graphic designers in New York City. Their second daughter, Amy, was born soon after they were settled in Greenwich Village, where they lived for many years. Mrs. Crews loved to cook, sew and create crafts projects with her children.
Mr. Crews focused his talents on children’s book writing and illustration in the late 1970s and convinced his wife to do the same four years later. Mrs. Crews wrote and illustrated her first book, When You Were a Baby, in 1982 using her maiden name, Ann Jonas. Her 1983 book, Round Trip, was recognized as an ALA Notable Book and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. This book remains enormously popular with children, librarians and educators. She published 16 books in all. Her titles include: The Quilt, 1984; Color Dance, 1989; Aardvarks, Disembark!, 1990; Splash!, 1995; Watch William Walk, 1997; Bird Talk, 1999.
The Crews moved permanently to Germantown in 1996, from Brooklyn. Here they made new friends, and she had more space to pursue passions such as gardening, cooking, knitting and quilt-making while continuing to write and illustrate books.
Mrs. Crews is survived by: her husband, Donald Crews; daughters, Nina and Amy Crews; sons-in-law, Edward Antoine and Todd Rader all of Brooklyn; four grandchildren, Jack, Gus and Hazel Rader and Asa Antoine; and her brother, Bob Jonas, of West Milford, NJ.
Family and friends are invited to gather to talk and remember Mrs. Crews Sunday, October 13, 2013 from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Central House Hotel, 220 Main Street, Germantown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Southern Poverty Law Center, Doctors Without Borders or Reading Is Fundamental.
Arrangements are with the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, Germantown.
Marie Edlich
ELIZAVILLE—Marie Edlich, 57, of Elizaville died suddenly at home, September 26, 2013.
She was a fan of Elvis Presley and she even named her beloved Shih Tzu “Elvis.” Mrs. Edlich also collected Elvis memorabilia and loved singing Elvis songs. She was a good-hearted person who was always there when someone was in need.
Mrs. Edlich is survived by: her husband, Robert; brothers, Vincent and Stephen; sisters, Christina McGrath, Denise Laerum, Diane Bailey and Toni Ann Garrett and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were with the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, Germantown and included cremation and a memorial service at Northern Dutchess Bible Church in Red Hook, October 2.
Sandor Kiss (1953 – 2013)
MILLERTON—Sandor “Alex” Kiss, 60, a 15-year area resident, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, October 6, 2013 at his home in Millerton.
Mr. Kiss was an auto body technician in College Point for more than 35 years.
A Hungarian immigrant, Mr. Kiss arrived in the United States at the age of 9 and began working in the automobile repair industry at the age of 10.
Born February 3, 1953 in Hungary, he was the son of the late Julianna (Jerkus) Nagy and Sandor Kiss.
Mr. Kiss was an avid Harley Davidson motorcycle rider and enjoyed collecting BMW cars. He also enjoyed travelling extensively, playing any musical instrument, drawing and trips to the beach with his family.
Mr. Kiss is survived by: three daughters, Serena, Maggie and Jennifer; his beloved sister, Maria Kontogiannis-Nagy of Ancramdale; his loving nieces and nephew, Julianna, Christina and Gus; two great-nieces, Chloe and Amelia; two great-nephews Colin and Alexander, and four grandsons.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 10 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton. Funeral services will at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Reverend Jan Brooks officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #178, Route 44, Millerton 12546. For directions or to leave an online condolence visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com.
