Judith L. Brooks (1919 – 2019)
GREENPORT—Judith Lorch Brooks died peacefully at home, December 17, 2019. She was 100 years old.
She was the adored and adoring wife of the late Arthur T. Brooks, who died September 7, 2019. She was the beloved and cherished mother of Lori, Louise and the late Teppy; grandmother of Talia, Aramie and mother-in-law of Bob Salzman.
She was born February 8, 1919. She grew up in Manhattan on the Upper West Side with her parents Florence and Adolf, her brothers, Arthur and Lee and her sister, Regina.
In grade school, strong-willed and independent, she once went on a hunger strike when they tried to make her write with her right hand.
In September 1945 at the end of World War II, then a 26-year-old, she was a Red Cross worker, helping returning GIs at Fort Dix, New Jersey. She worked with Mr. Brooks’ sister, Evelyn, who invited her over for dinner to meet him. They were married for the next 73 years.
In 1948, soon after Teppy was born, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks moved to Claverack. Mr. Brooks joined his father-in-law, Adolf, in their Hudson manufacturing business, Textile-By-Products which would later become Lorbrook Corporation. In 1965, the family moved to their new home in Greenport.
Mrs. Brooks’ father Adolf, who embodied old-world kindness, intelligence and compassion, was a guiding light throughout her life. She took great pride in her father’s tireless efforts to sponsor and rescue 125 Jews from Nazi Germany.
Her friends and neighbors remember Mrs. Brooks as a warm, caring, witty person with a generous spirit who was always there for them through good times and bad. She was an energetic community volunteer who tirelessly gave of herself, especially for people in need.
She was a long-time member of Hadassah and at one time president of the Hudson chapter. For many years she volunteered with Meals on Wheels delivering food to the homes of Hudson residents. She was a long-term board member of the Mental Health Society and volunteered with Catholic Charities. She was a generous supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD).
Friends have warm memories of wonderful get-togethers at the Brooks’—Las Vegas night, scavenger hunts, Halloween and sledding parties and clambakes.
Mr. and Mrs. Brooks loved to travel. Together they researched and created amazing trips through Europe, Asia and South America. A random connection on a trip to Mexico in 1952 produced a life-long friend. Over the years they loved recalling the details and savoring the memories.
Mrs. Brooks was a generous, loving, gracious person and always a fierce advocate for her children. Her extraordinary personal strength bolstered by her boundless love and commitment to, and from her husband and daughters somehow enabled her to resume living life after the loss of Teppy.
Even dementia could not dull her sharp sense of humor.
Her family, friends and community now mourn her loss, while honoring and celebrating the 100 years of her rich and meaningful life.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Hudson Meals on Wheels.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Hubert Veneman, Jr. (1961 – 2019)
ELIZAVILLE—Hubert “Bert” Veneman, Jr., 58, of Flushing and a resident of Elizaville passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 20, 2019.
Born August 6, 1961 in Flushing, he was the son of the late Hubert Veneman, originally from the Netherlands, and Gerda Veneman of Elizaville.
He graduated from Westlake High School in Thornwood, where he played on the school’s soccer and baseball teams. Mr. Veneman enjoyed spending time at the beach with his family and friends. He adored Montauk, which held a special place in his heart. During the summers of his high school years, he worked as a baker for his father, who owned a series of bakeries. On the passing of his father in 1993, he managed the Montauk store on Long Island.
Mr. Veneman was awarded a BA from Drexel University in Philadelphia and an MA from the University of Miami, Florida. He was previously employed as a paralegal for the Kay Shuler law firm in Manhattan.
Passionate about all of his interests, he was also an avid supporter of the Mets, and visited Shea Stadium many times. Also a soccer aficionado, he traveled with his father many times to see the Dutch national soccer team play in Europe. These trips initiated his lifelong love of travel.
Mr. Veneman diligently researched and authored a book over many years, having completed it in 2006. The title is “Report on Stefan Heym: a Critical Analysis of his Autobiography and his Circle of Acquaintances”. The nature of the book demanded that he conduct extensive research at library archives in both Paris and London.
Mr. Veneman is survived by his loving mother, Gerda; his loving sister, Ellen, and her husband Michael McCaghey, along with his niece, Madelyn and nephew Shane; uncle, Bruno; numerous cousins and extended family in America and Germany.
A celebration for Mr. Veneman will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7412 South Broadway, Red Hook, Saturday, January 4 starting at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served after the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Veneman’s memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook.
For directions or to sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Walter H. Kuhn (1940 – 2019)
VALATIE—Walter H. Kuhn, 79, of Valatie died Saturday, December 21, 2019 at The Grand at Barnwell.
Born April 28, 1940 in New York City, he was the son the late Fred and Louise (Garringer) Kuhn.
Mr. Kuhn served honorably with the U.S. Air Force and was a self-employed truck driver working at Fort Edward Express for a time. He also enjoyed woodworking.
He is survived by: his wife of 55 years, Doris (Brandt) Kuhn; two children, Walter Baran Kuhn of Oakland, CA, and Theresa Kuhn of West Stockbridge, MA; a brother, Frederick Kuhn of Maine and six grandchildren, Tyler, Karolyn, Angel, Cheyanne, Mitchel and Hudson.
Calling hours will be held Saturday, December 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Schoharie in the spring. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany 12205.
