William Coward (1942 – 2019)
COPAKE—William “Bill” Coward passed away peacefully at home August 26 at age 77.
Born in New Rochelle, he served in the U.S. Army and worked for the Port Authority before moving to Copake.
He was a self-employed mechanic, engine rebuilder and welder.
Mr. Coward is survived by: his wife, Shirley of Copake; his daughter, Anne Harrison and granddaughter, Sarah Harrison, both of Spencertown, and brother, Robert Howard of Larchmont.
There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to one’s favorite local animal shelter, food bank or library.
Thomas Mitchison (1940 – 2019)
NORTH CHATHAM—After a valiant battle with leukemia, Thomas Mitchison took the trip to join his sister, Sandy in heaven, August 21, 2019.
For two days prior to his death, “Tom” was surrounded by the love of his life, Lyn and their two children. He also had his brother, sister-in-law, five grandsons and friends. They laughed and cried together and told many stories. He enjoyed his last meal, a Stewart’s milk shake brought to him by his son.
He will continue to live through his son, Kyle; his daughter, Kristen Zimmer and his five grandsons, Travis, Cody, Austin, Mitchell and Mason. He had a special place in his heart for his son-in-law, Kevin. His connection with “his girls,” Olivia, Michelle, Jennifer, Denise, Abigail, Jen, Pam, Margot, Sheila, Karen, Gwen and Lana always gave him a sense of being loved. He will be missed by his sister, Joyce, and hunting buddies, his brother Ray, Gerry Flemming, and Paul Barbarotto.
Mr. Mitchison was proud of Whitehall, his hometown, his college, SUNY Cobleskill and his long years of working for Tennessee Gas Pipeline. He enjoyed his firewood business and being a farmer. One of his greatest pleasures was working! He was touched by the care given to him over the years at NYOH by Dr. Dudek, Amanda De Piero, PA, the ladies in the lab and nurses especially, Lisa Hodovanec, who was like a daughter. Dr. Paul Barbarotto’s warm compassion and care honored him over the years. His wife is so grateful for the extra time they had together for traveling and enjoying nature. He especially enjoyed unwinding at their home away from home on the Schroon River. His wife will hold memories of their recent canoe trip to Boreas Ponds, close to her heart.
There will be a celebration of Mr. Mitchison’s life at the North Chatham Church, Friday, August 30 at 4 p.m. He chose that time so that everyone can get their work done first! Contributions in his memory may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1 Marcus Boulevard #104, Albany 12205.
Joan P. Rueckheim (1932 – 2019)
OLD CHATHAM—Joan P. Rueckheim passed away August 24, 2019 at her home in Old Chatham, surrounded by her family. Born June 7, 1932 in Cementon (now, Smith’s Landing), Greene County, she graduated from Catskill High School.
In 1951 she married John E. Rueckheim.
She loved music, her church, gardening, crossword puzzles and knitting for family and others. She was a long-time member of the First Reformed Church of Chatham, Hudson Valley Choral Society, and Chatham Rescue Squad. She also loved her work as a classroom aide for Columbia-Greene BOCES, retiring in 1988.
Mrs. Rueckheim was notorious for her great sense of humor atop her fierce and caring heart.
She was predeceased by her husband; daughter, Barbara (Tom) Orsini; sister, Ruth (Phil) Salvino, and great-grandson, Steven Whiteman. She is survived by: her children, Kathleen (William) Rizzi, John Rueckheim, Jr. (Joan Jedele), Gretchen Rueckheim, Paul (Mary) Rueckheim, Leslie DeGroodt, Matthew Rueckheim (Pam Ames); sister, Carol (Dan) Webster; good friend, Alice Kelly, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
All will celebrate Mrs. Rueckheim’s life and legacy Saturday, September 7 at the First Reformed Church, Kinderhook Street, Chatham. Calling hour is 1 p.m., with a memorial service at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Community Hospice of Columbia Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414.
Arrangements are with the Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham. Send online condolences at wenkfuneralhome.com.
Doris A. Moore (1928 – 2019)
SPRINGFIELD, MA—Doris Anna Moore, 91, of West Lebanon passed away peacefully Thursday morning, August 22, 2019 at the Baystate Medical Center.
Born in Lanesboro, MA, January 10, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Lulu Moore.
She is survived by: her children, Fred Maynard, Sr., of Berlin, Bruce Maynard of West Lebanon and Pauline Maynard of West Lebanon; her grandchildren, BillyJo, Jesse and Fred, Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Ryan, and Aiden, and by several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, William Maynard; her siblings, Harriet Kubica and Robert Moore, Jr., and her best friends, Shirley Tavares and Oscar Stall.
Ms. Moore will be remembered for being a beautiful person both inside and out. She had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need. She was absolutely full of life, a gift she passed onto her children who meant the world to her.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2019, 6 p.m. at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, 457 State Route 43, Stephentown. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Ms. Moore’s family before the service, from 4 until 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham 12110.
