Peter A. Jensen (1940 – 2025)
COPAKE—On March 31, 2025, Peter Andres Jensen entered the heavenly gates to be with his longtime love, Mary Lou.
He will always be loved and cherished by his family, including, three sons, Christian (Cathy), David (Alexis) and Kurt (Courtney); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was the son of Walter Christian Jensen and Lula (Langdon) Jensen and grew up in the Town of Copake. He was one of three sons, Thomas (pre-deceased), Eric and protector of his only sister, Amy Lu (pre-deceased). He attended Roe Jan School, then his beloved University of Connecticut. While at UConn he worked an internship at Glen Afton Farms in Ontario, Canada, where he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. They returned to Copake to shepherd the family dairy farm, Topeer-A Farms, and raise a family. His sons were nurtured and raised with the same work ethic and get-it-done attitude that he lived by. Always challenged, but never down. Later in life he worked for J. Reiner and Sons and then Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT, until his retirement.
He joined Copake Fire Company #1 later in life, but was very active as captain of the fire police and proudly served a term as fire commissioner for the Copake Fire District. He always enjoyed caring for his community and the “family atmosphere” of the firehouse.
During retirement, he enjoyed reading American history and watching UConn Girls Basketball games, “Go Huskies.” He and his wife traveled throughout the Eastern United States and Canada seeing family and friends along the way. He was always enjoying the life that was given and took nothing for granted. He and his wife always enjoyed the company of family and friends. He recalled his many adventures with his brothers and sister and his farming days and showing dairy cows at fairs and the black and white shows.
“As we lay to rest our father, we have faith that he will be at peace and join his beloved wife, Mary Lou, forever more and to eternity.”
Join family and friends in remembering him April 12, 2025 beginning at 10 a.m. at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 8063 Route 22, Copake, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Inurnment will follow in Copake Cemetery.
Donations may be made in his honor to the Copake Fire Company #1 or a charity of choice. For directions or to leave a message of condolence for the family visit www.peckandpeck.net
Frank J. Wood, Jr.
NIVERVILLE—Frank J. Wood, Jr., 77, of Niverville passed away suddenly at home March 29, 2025.
He was born in Albany, where he attended Philip Schuyler High School. He worked as a computer operator and print specialist at Blue Cross & Blue Shield and Xerox Business Services until his retirement.
A proud supporter of the Duke basketball and Alabama football programs, he could always be heard cheering on his teams with enthusiasm. When he wasn’t watching the games, he was collecting Tobin’s First Prize memorabilia, amassing a unique collection that included clocks, posters, tins and even bricks from the company’s iconic smokestack. For years, he could be found tending to his home’s gardens, working on countless home improvement projects, hunting with family and friends, and even making his own limoncello.
Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his granddaughters and nieces; always bringing a story to tell, laughter to share, and love to those around him.
He is survived by: his loving wife of more than 50 years, Judy; his son, Chip (Courtney) Wood of Valatie and his granddaughters, Abigail Wood and Emily Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Janette and Frank Wood, Sr., of Albany; his uncle, Raymond Smith and aunt, Jean Smith of Nassau and many other beloved family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Niverville Fire Company, Valatie Rescue Squad, and the New York State Police for their professionalism and assistance.
Calling hours and a funeral service were held at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, April 4 followed by burial at the Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery in Kinderhook.
Jenny M. Clough (1951 – 2025)
PHILMONT—Jenny M. Clough, beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother, passed away peacefully March 31, 2025, at the age of 73, just weeks after the passing of her dear husband, Martin. She was born April 17, 1951 in Proctor, VT, to Ada and Arthur Ploof (both deceased). Her heart was full of love for her family, and she now rests with her husband Martin, as they are reunited in heaven.
She is survived by: her loving sisters, Helen (Arnold) Anderson and Terry (Edward) Murnane, and her brother, Abraham Ploof and her many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her two children: daughter, Clair-Jhean (Todd) Conto-Mills and son, Stephen (Alicia) Ploof, along with her cherished grandchildren, Cheyenne Mills, Zaine Mills, Connor Ploof, Mikayla Ploof and Sophia Ploof. She embraced her stepchildren as her own, including Lisa (Daryll) Mossman, Debbie Pfeiffer, David (Mary) Clough, and Martin (Karen) Clough, and she adored her many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She will be reunited with her parents, as well as her sisters, Pam, Pearl, Florence “Frosty,” and Robin, along with other loved family members who have gone before her.
A devoted homemaker, she was known for her warmth, hospitality, and nurturing spirit. She found joy in cooking delicious meals for her family, playing Pogo games, crocheting, and sewing. More than anything, she cherished spending time with her family and friends, and her love for them was evident in every aspect of her life. Her heart was kind, and she touched the lives of everyone she met.
Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched with her love, kindness, and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit and love will forever remain in their hearts. A Memorial Service is being planned for her and her husband and will be announced when complete. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, Greenport.
Charles A. Huyck, Sr. (1934 – 2025)
VALATIE—Charles Arthur Huyck, Sr., 90, of Valatie passed away peacefully April 2, 2025, at the Barnwell Nursing Home in Valatie. Born November 24, 1934 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, he was raised on River Street in Valatie by his parents, John Henry Huyck and Mary Irene (Taylor) Huyck.
He was a graduate of Ichabod Crane High School and went on to serve honorably in the United States Army. He worked for the Fort Orange Paper Company in Castleton, retiring in 1995 at the age of 60.
A man of strong faith, he attended services at the Clearview Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Castleton. He was a dedicated 60-year life-member of the Philmont Rod and Gun Club, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow outdoorsmen. An avid hunter and fisherman, he found great joy in nature, often spending time driving through the countryside searching for deer.
Beyond his love for the outdoors, he took great pride in helping develop the River Street Park as part of the Village River Park Committee, where he also enjoyed taking long walks. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife of 42 years, Helen Jane Dedrick Huyck, who passed May 11, 2001, as well as his second wife, the late Nancy (Larose) Huyck. He was also predeceased by his son, Charles Huyck, Jr.
He leaves behind his loving children: Wayne (Elaine) Huyck, Tammy (Timothy) Bacon, David (Diana) Huyck, Ronald (Kelly) Huyck and Teresa Hallenbeck; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, whom he cherished. His legacy lives on in his family, friends, and all those who were blessed to know him.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 10, 10 a.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Route 9, Valatie with the Rev. Nick Becker officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Prospect Hill Cemetery, Valatie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Clearview Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 275 Schodack Drive, Castleton-on-Hudson 12033.
Douglas K. McGivney, Esq. (1938 – 2025)
KINDERHOOK—Douglas K. McGivney, Esq., of Kinderhook passed away peacefully April 4 at the age of 87. He was born March 18, 1938 to Claire (Downs) and Howard E. McGivney. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant, his life was a testament to hard work, integrity, and a deep love for his community.
In 1964, “Doug” married the love of his life, Barbara J. (Putz) McGivney with whom he shared a rich life full of love, laughter, and mutual respect. Last August marked their 60th wedding anniversary celebration. Together, they raised two daughters, Tracey E. Bosley (Craig) of Mooers and Mary Kate Hotaling (Michael) of The Woodlands, TX. He was also a proud grandfather to three granddaughters, Abigail and Courtney Bosley and Jaime Lynn Hotaling and one grandson, Colby D. Hotaling.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Eugene, Richard, Jane, and Paul, but he carried their memories with him throughout his life.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh before continuing his education at Villanova University, where he received his Doctorate of Law. His distinguished legal career spanned more than two decades, including 23 years of service with the New York State Health Department. His most notable professional role was as principal attorney for the Office of Professional Misconduct of Physicians, where he worked to ensure the safety and well-being of New Yorkers. Later in his career, he focused on enforcing Public Health Law, specifically addressing patient abuse, nursing homes and hospitals.
Beyond his professional achievements, he was an avid lover of the outdoors. He found peace and joy in gardening and running, appreciating nature’s beauty and the personal challenge of physical activity. His commitment to the community extended beyond his work, as he was an active member of St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, where he and his wife taught Sunday school for children ranging from seven-years-old to fifth grade for several years. He was also a member of the Tri-Village Seniors.
His devotion to his community was evident in his role as supervisor for the Town of Kinderhook from 1999 to 2010. One of his proudest accomplishments as supervisor was the creation of Volunteers Park in Valatie.
He is remembered as a man of great character, compassion, and dedication. His legacy lives on through his family, his work, and the many lives he touched throughout his years of service to his community and beyond. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Friends are invited to pay their respects Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Route 9, Valatie. His funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. The family asks that donations in his memory be made to the Volunteer’s Park Fund, 180 State Farm Road, Valatie 12184.
Edward E. Waldron (1940 – 2025)
TAGHKANIC—Edward E. Waldron, 84, of Taghkanic passed away peacefully April 5, 2025 at his residence. He was born September 29, 1940 in Sharon, CT. The son of Edward and Emma (Houghtaling) Waldron, he grew up in Ancram.
On January 14, 1961 in Pine Plains, he married Patricia Hotaling and together they enjoyed 64 years of marriage. In 1963, “Ed” enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably until 1966. He was very proud of his military service and the fact that he was a Vietnam veteran. He was the highway superintendent for the Town of Taghkanic for 36 years and also held other positions during that time including town constable and code enforcement officer. He was also a master mechanic and could fix anything. During his life he served as the president of the West Taghkanic Rod & Gun Club, he was also the president and superintendent of the West Taghkanic Cemetery and was a lifetime member of the Taghkanic Fire Company. He enjoyed fishing, coin collecting, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by: his loving wife, Patricia, and their children, Edward F. (Michelle) Waldron and Jean (John) Glasgow; six grandchildren, Katie (Ricardo) Xiloj, Olivia (Colin) Mitchell, Isabelle Waldron, Michael Waldron, John Glasgow Jr., and Megan (Ryan Cox) Darrnell; five great-grandchildren, Valarie, Robert, Annsleigh, Albany and Mariana; his siblings, Shirley LaChance, Nancy Smith, Melody Smith, Jill Magy, Barbara Cade, Claire Moore, and Gary, Mark and Michael Waldron; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents he was also predeceased by his siblings, Georgianna Waite, George Dietter, Irene Miller, Richard, David, Edward, Robin and Sharon Waldron.
A funeral service was held April 9 from Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 8063 Route 22, Copake. Interment followed in West Taghkanic Cemetery. A celebration of life is being planned for this summer. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warriors.
Jane J. Mayer (1943 – 2025)
STUYVESANT FALLS–Jane Jessup Mayer, 81, of Stuyvesant Falls, N.Y., passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, at home surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
Born on September 5, 1943, Jane grew up in Illinois, graduating from Monmouth College with a bachelor’s degree. After the birth of her first two children, Jane moved east in the 1970’s, and attended the University of Massachusetts, where she earned a master’s degree in education. It was then that she moved to New York and continued her long list of accomplishments in all areas of life.
Jane was a founding member of the Hungry Hedgehog Food Co-op in the 1970’s, ushering in the age of public food cooperatives. In 1977, Jane started her successful business Alphasprouts, bringing alfalfa sprouts to store shelves, and gradually expanded the business to include many other products. Jane took great pride in providing outstanding customer service to its long list of clients, and the business employed many people in the community over the years. Jane continued to use her business acumen as the company evolved to what is now Newton Hook Tree Care LLC, as co-owner and accountant up until her passing.
Immersing herself in community service, Jane was a member of the Kinderhook Library Board of Trustees, served the Stuyvesant Falls Fire Company #2 for many years as both Fire Police and as Chaplain, and over the years she was a family court mediator for Common Ground, a Deacon in the church serving the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hudson, and a Chaplain for Hospice. She was known for both her writing and orator skills, composing articles for various publications, and providing many sermons and eulogies.
Jane was always exploring new interests to expand her knowledge. Among other things, she learned to play the dulcimer, was an ardent doll collector, and could never pass up a quick pop-in to an antiques store or yard sale. Jane was also an avid reader. She had an extensive library, including vintage children’s books. Reading them to her children, and then grandchildren, was something that she enjoyed doing her entire adult life, following in the footsteps of her mother Charlotte. She was always keen to talk about her latest good read, whether it be a children’s book, a novel, or an interesting article in the newspaper.
Jane was known far and wide for her homemade applesauce. Every fall, she would cook the apples from her apple trees, run them through her vintage oversized Foley food mill, and can many, many jars for the coming year. She never showed up as a dinner guest without a jar of applesauce! She also made pounds and pounds of dried apples each year and gave them out to friends and family. In her later years, Jane enjoyed trips to Cape Ann and the Adirondacks with her loving husband Doug.
With her gift of conversation and a beautiful smile, Jane made countless friends and acquaintances over her lifetime. To know Jane was to know a generous person, an advocate for others, who truly cared about the people around her, as well as people suffering throughout the world. She did what she could to donate her time and resources to causes close to her heart. Her positive impact on others throughout her lifetime is truly immeasurable.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving family including her husband of 34 years Douglas Mayer, along with her children and stepchildren: Christopher Owen (Kathleen Wilson), Cara Hollop (John), Brian Gifford, Sidra Gifford, Timothy Gifford, Grace von Moritz (Craig Morrison), Jennifer Mayer (Ian Cumpston), and Andrew Mayer (Kimberly Gardner). She is also survived by her grandchildren, whom she adored: Caitlin, Tessa, Oskar, Isla, Leo, Charlotte, Oliver, Stella, and Linden. Jane is also survived by her cousin Rondi Kilen, sister-in-law Sue Schmitt, and her dear friend Betty-Jean Roppolo.
Jane was predeceased by her parents Fred and Charlotte Schmitt, her brother David Schmitt (Sue), and her (unofficially) adopted son Allan Richter.
The family is grateful for the support and care provided by The Community Hospice, especially nurse Judy and Chaplain Matt, as well as the guidance and support provided by St. Peter’s ALS center in Albany. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the above organizations, or to the American Friends Service Committee, a humanitarian organization dear to her heart.
Family and friends are invited to visit with Jane’s family on Saturday, April 26 from 2:00-4:00PM at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home at 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer, N.Y. 12144. A memorial service will immediately follow at the funeral home. Jane would want nothing more than peace and understanding for all people of this earth on which we live. Hopefully her life can inspire us to work towards that goal. Online condolences may be offered at the www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com PAID OBITUARY
