Edward H. Noroian (1928 – 2019)
CANAAN, CT—Edward Hagop Noroian died Thursday, January 24 in Canaan, CT, at the age of 91.
Perhaps unknown to many people who knew him, “Ed” embodied the American dream.
Born in Lawrence, MA, to immigrant Armenian parents of modest means, he rose to become a leading figure in the public health arena.
After serving in the military post-World War II and earning degrees in history from Long Island University (BA) and Columbia University (MA), Mr. Noroian became absorbed by the growing challenge of healthcare. A subsequent master’s degree in public health from Yale University led to a series of hospital administrative positions and directorships, including at Hartford Hospital, University Hospital in Baltimore, Presbyterian-University Hospital in Pittsburgh and Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. But the capstone of his career were three related posts in New York City.
In 1978, he was named executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Presbyterian Hospital, the teaching facility for Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. There he relentlessly addressed what he saw as needed expansion of patient care, taking steps to modernize the medical center, build a new community hospital, develop a nursing home, set up a home healthcare agency and pioneer a high-risk patient referral center.
Five years later, he was instrumental in spinning off PHRI/Presbyterian Health Resources, Inc. where he served as president. The goal of this for-profit management and construction consulting subsidiary was not only to provide its expertise to other medical facilities, but to use its profits to help fund services at Presbyterian Hospital.
Finally, he was president of Professional Health Services, Inc., a cutting-edge healthcare consulting firm that specialized in assisting hospital management in turn-around situations both in the U.S. and abroad.
He cared as much about the people with whom he worked as he did about high standards of performance and results. So many of his colleagues and subordinates considered him their mentor, coach or even “intellectual father.” Some maintain that his friendship and influence have helped shape them to this day.
He was a fellow/member of the American College of Hospital Administrators, the American Public Health Association and the International Hospital Federation, among others. Over the course of his professional life, he authored numerous published articles, papers and book reviews.
While Mr. Noroian lived and worked in many places, he always considered New York City his true home. After 17 years as a part-time seasonal resident on Fire Island, he and his wife Jane Plasman, became a decade-long homeowner at Long Lake in Ancramdale. They presided over numerous dinner parties where guests found him worldly, witty, charming and knowledgeable. A lifelong avid and eclectic reader who, in retirement, often read a book a day, he served on the Acquisitions Committee of the Roe Jan Community Library. He was also an enthusiastic traveler, for pleasure and, in earlier years, in the role of speaker, delivering papers and talks on public health issues at teaching hospitals and professional conferences around the globe.
He will be greatly missed, not just for his professional excellence, but also for his gracious humanity. His big smile, his love of laughter, his ready ear, and his generosity have left an indelible imprint.
Mr. Noroian is survived by: his loving wife of more than 30 years, Jane Plasman; children, Cheryl, Deborah (David) Brookes and Edward; brother, Richard (Karen Braverman); grandchildren, Nicole and Edward (Theya); and great-grandson, Edward.
Donations in his memory may be made to: Armenian General Benevolent Union, 55 East 59th Street, 7th Floor, New York City 10022, or Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors Association, P.O. Box 97, Ancramdale 12503. Expressions of condolences to the Plasman and Noroian families may be mailed to: Plasman/Noroian Families, P.O. Box 102, Ancramdale 12503.
Shannon Morrison (1976 – 2019)
ALBANY—Shannon Morrison passed away at Albany Medical Center, Sunday evening, February 10, 2019.
She was born December 28, 1976 to John L. Morrison and Rose VanAlstyne, both now deceased.
A brother, Cary Morrison, also predeceased her.
She is survived by: siblings, Sean Morrison (twin brother), John Morrison, Brenda Lawson, Mike VanAlstyne, Helen V. Morrison, John L. Morrison, Jr., Graytz B. Morrison, Carretha A. Carter, Anthony L. Morrison, Sharon C. Morrison, Lorraine J. Morrison, Felicia Y. Morrison, Broderick C. Morrison, Leila Mae Morrison and Thomas Morrison; also numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. The joy of Ms. Morrison’s heart was to give birth to her now one-year-old beautiful daughter, Sariah Nelson, with Devon Nelson.
She matriculated through the Hudson City School District and received a high school diploma. For many years, she enjoyed working as a home health aide. Her last place of employment was the Whittier Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility, Ghent. At the time of her passing, Ms. Morrison was endeavoring to return to school to obtain a nursing degree. She began attending Holy Temple First Church of God In Christ, Hudson at an early age. She attended Sunday school and Bible study classes, and sand for many years in the church’s youth choir. She remained involved in church activities until her departure from this life.
A memorial service will be held in her honor Friday, February 22, 2019 at Holy Temple First Church of God In Christ, 64 North Sixth Street, Hudson at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Linlithgo Rural Cemetery, Cemetery Road off of County Route 10, Linlithgo immediately following. Ms. Morrison’s family and friends will gather at the Elk’s Lodge, 201 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, after the interment for a repast. Cards or condolences for the family may be mailed to Sharon Morrison, c/o Holy Temple First Church of God In Christ, P.O. Box 876, Hudson 12534.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Rebecca R. Bourdeau (1966 – 2019)
ALBANY—Rebecca R. Bourdeau, 52, of Philmont died peacefully Saturday, February 16, 2019 at St. Peter’s Hospice.
Born in Florida, she was the daughter of Andrea Smith of East Greenbush and the late Robert Bourdeau.
Ms. Bourdeau will be missed by her longtime companion, Philip J. Boyle, III, of Philmont; one daughter and many friends.
A visiting hour and funeral prayers will be held Monday, February 25, 2019 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Burial will follow in Linlithgo Cemetery.
Beverly Duryea (1921 – 2019)
VALATIE—Beverly Thompson Duryea, 97, of Valatie passed away February 18, 2019 at home after a brief illness with loved ones and “kitty” at her side.
She was born in Manchester, NH, in 1921 to William and Lillian (Cooley) Thompson.
Her family later moved to Albany where she met the love of her life, Kenneth. They were married for 73 years before his passing.
A long-time member of the Nassau Reformed Church, Mrs. Duryea’s soprano voice in the choir was so beautiful and so loved. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Amaranth. Her gift of song was surpassed only by her many artistic talents; painting, sewing, knitting, crochet and craft-making in many mediums. She enjoyed many years as the Avon lady as well. She was always busy, always laughing.
Mrs. Duryea enjoyed her summers on Cape Cod from the time she was a child with her parents, brother Elbridge and sister Florence. Later with her own family, she was able to celebrate many a peaceful evening in Onset. Her crab cakes were the best ever.
She is survived by: her children, Kenneth Duryea (Susan Gnirke) with whom she resided, and her daughter, Beverly Visconti of Del Ray Beach, FL.
Mrs. Duryea was thankful for those who stopped by to visit for a while, to sing Alleluia with “Reverend Ed” and Janet VanKampen, or to play a few hands of cards and just chat. She was appreciative of the Hospice team that helped her and her family. She was loved by many. In her passing from this life, she is joined again with the love of her life.
Services will be held at Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home, 11 Elm Street, Nassau, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends may visit prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Nassau-Schodack Cemetery. Donations in Mrs. Duryea’s memory made be made to the Nassau Reformed Church, P.O. Box 495, Nassau 12123 or to the Community Hospice Gift Processing Center, 310 South Manning Boulevard, Albany 12208. Online Condolences may be made at Mooneyfuneralhome.com
