Constance M. Ingham (1933 – 2020)
VALATIE—Constance “Connie” M. Ingham passed away April 27, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Born January 24, 1933 in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Bruce L. and Suzanne (Bouteiller) Hotchkiss.
She graduated from Chatham School District in 1950. She worked at the former Barnwell Nursing Home until her retirement in 2000. In retirement she loved to travel, especially to Florida and take bus trips to Foxwoods Resort Casino. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved being with family.
She was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband Charles H. Ingham, whom she married in 1950. They enjoyed 64 years together. She was also predeceased by their son Charles B. Ingham, her three brothers and one sister.
She is survived by: three children; Cindee L. (Donald R.) Mackey of Valatie, Chris H. (Mary Allen) Ingham of Hadley and Craig R. (Jennifer) Ingham of Valatie; five grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as “MeMe”, Amy (Ronald W.) Apholz, Donald C. Mackey, Joshua L. (Melony Coons) Ingham, Jeremy L. Ingham and Ethan C. Ingham; one great-grandson, Jackson Ingham; several nieces, nephews and many friends and family in the Kinderhook Lake community.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2020 at noon in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Route 203, Valatie with the Reverend Samantha Perret officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414 in her name or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1018 Kinderhook Street, Valatie. The family extends its eternal gratitude for the exceptional care she received from Elizabeth and Rose from Community Hospice. Calling hours and a celebration of life will be held at a later date in order to protect the health and well-being of her many family and friends.
Genevieve V. Snyder (1924 – 2020)
PHILMONT—Genevieve Virginia Snyder, 95, of Claverack passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Pine Haven Nursing Facility.
Born October 22, 1924 in Troy, she was the daughter of William and Erma (Williams) LeBrecht.
Mrs. Snyder was a professional seamstress for more than 30 years. She put her talents to work at L & B Textiles for several years. Her hobbies were designing, knitting, home decorating and gardening. Her family bestowed on her the title of “best pie-crust-maker in the world.”
Those left to cherish her memory include: her daughter, Pamela Wood Decker; daughter-in-law, Judith Griffin; grandchildren, Michele Clarke, Jennifer Wood, Laurie Brown, Danny Griffin and Peggy Sheldon, and great-grandchildren, Dylan, Olivia, Addison, Courtney, Treyvon, Tyler, James, Sophia and Gianna.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Edward W. Snyder; son, Alan David Griffin; brother, David Williams and sister, Lillian Williams.
Funeral services and interment will be private and at the convenience of her family. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
The Reverend Dr. Charles C. Close (1951 – 2020)
GHENT—The Reverend Dr. Charles Cade Close, 69, of Ghent died Thursday, April 23, 2020 after a brief illness.
He was the beloved husband of the Reverend Jane Tanaskovic Brady-Close; devoted father of Jennifer Close-Conlon (Josh Conlon) and Steven Close (fiancée Lisa Reburn); grandfather of David, Xander, Aylah and Samuel. “Charlie” is also survived by his loving sister, Joy Close (Susan O’Loughlin); nieces; a nephew and cousins.
He was predeceased by his wife, Karen Mackie Close; son, David Charles Close, and sister, Elizabeth Close.
Born April 9, 1951, the son of Charles Walker and Betsy Cade Close, he grew up in Levittown and Wellesley, MA. He was a graduate of Boston University, School of Education, and Andover-Newton Theological School (MDiv, DMin), where he was a member of the Jonathan Edwards Honor Society.
His greatest delight was time with family and friends. He also appreciated music, theater, design and the beauty of the natural world. He relished people and gatherings and offering the hospitality of his home. He loved to sing and play the guitar, had a stellar wit, and was a true and faithful friend. He had the gift of warmth and was a calming presence, serving many as wise counsel and witness through life’s moments and challenges. His life was a testimony to God’s love and grace.
Prior to his seminary education, he was a special needs teacher for the Ipswich, MA, Public Schools, camp waterfront director, swimming instructor and coach. He was called and served many congregations throughout the New England area including Immanuel Community Church, Concord, NH; Central Congregational Church, Orange, MA; Union Congregational Church, Rockville, CT; North Falmouth Congregational Church, North Falmouth, MA; Wilbraham United Church, Wilbraham, MA; and Canaan Congregational Church, Canaan. He led congregations in a variety of settings and valued each one as unique and beautiful. He was an advocate for the needs of others, serving in a faithful, kind, professional and hands-on manner, rooted in his sense of the binding of heart and soul in covenantal relationships and in prayerful discernment. Active in the broader United Church of Christ, he served on the Massachusetts Conference Board of Directors, the Barnstable Association, the Franklin Association, and as consultant for Partners in Education. He also served his beloved Star Island Community on the Star Island Corporation Board of Directors and Finance Committee, and as a long-standing All Star I Conference Minister and teacher.
Some years ago, he wrote: “Well, I’ve led some pretty spectacular services, speaking to hundreds of people, and hearing incredible music. But my most meaningful experiences happen in those quite moments where God’s love and grace shine through.”
Those who so desire may make donations in memory of Reverend Dr. Close to the Star Island Annual Fund, Morton-Benedict House, 30 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 (Star Island being a place of refreshment and learning for generations of the Close family) or to Canaan Congregational Church, P.O. Box 66, Canaan 12029 (his congregation at the time of his death. He lovingly led them in their efforts to rebuild following a devastating fire).
Sadly, his interment at Belleville Cemetery, Newburyport, MA, will be private due to Covid-19 social distancing and gathering limitations. Plans for a memorial service will be shared when people are able to gather again and enjoy a celebration of his life. Arrangements are with the Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham. Send online condolences at wenkfuneralhome.com.
