Theresa Dierna (1929 – 2013)
VALATIE—Theresa Dierna, 83, of Orchard Drive, Valatie died Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Barnwell Health Facilities.
Born April 27, 1929 in Brooklyn, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Stella (Tavernite) Luca.
Her fondest memories were of growing up in Brooklyn with her father, brothers and sisters. She and her brothers and sisters loved to tell stories of not only getting each other in trouble but also standing up for each other. Visiting her sisters and brothers was something she always looked forward to.
Mrs. Dierna was a longtime resident of Columbia County. She lived in Greenport and Valatie for more than 35 years after leaving her home in Brooklyn. She worked as a seamstress for several manufacturers, making men’s ties, baby clothes and pocketbooks. She loved babysitting for friends and family members. She treasured spending time with her family, especially with her son-in-law, for whom she had a special fondness. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, especially her best friend, Romona; playing bingo; watching soap operas and shopping. She would feed anyone who would come to her home. No one was allowed to leave her home without eating something. She was always very proud of the fact that she learned to drive later in life. She enjoyed the independence it provided her, allowing her to assist her neighbors with runs to the grocery store and other shopping venues. She went on a trip to Italy where she saw the Pope, which was an extremely enjoyable experience for her being that she was of Italian heritage.
As she became ill, she was still able to enjoy herself taking part in the many activities at Barnwell’s Adult Day Care Center. Her family appreciates all the care and support the staff at Barnwell provided her and the family.
She is survived by: her daughter, Sandra DenBesten (Troy) of Valatie; a son, Blaise Dierna of Brooklyn; a sister, Catherine Armeno (William) of Hyde Park; two brothers, Ralph Luca of Brooklyn and Frank Luca of Port Charlotte, FL; a grandson, Lorenzo Dierna; her beloved friend, Romona DenBesten; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis Dierna; her sister, Frances Galdiero and her brother, Vincent Luca.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m., Monday, January 28 at St. John the Baptist Church, Route 9, Valatie. Burial will follow in Kinderhook Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Inc., Valatie. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany 12205.
Clifford Francis (1919 – 2013)
HUDSON—Clifford Francis, 93, of Hudson, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born October 21, 1919 in Jamaica, he was the son of the late Charles and Victoria (Wilkinson) Francis.
Mr. Francis worked as a trackman and foreman for Conrail for more than 20 years. He also worked in construction for many years, helped build the Empire State Plaza and worked for American Valve. He was a life member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where he served on the usher board and the men’s network. He enjoyed going for rides and sightseeing around the Hudson area and spending time with his family. He was known as “Pop” to everyone and had a generous, kind heart.
Surviving are: three sons, Mark (Dolores) Bryant of Hudson and Hyde Park, Michael (Lori) Bryant of Watervliet and Clifford of Schenectady; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and his best friend, Delroy Green.
He was predeceased by his wife, Delia, and one brother.
A calling hour will begin at 9 a.m. Monday at Shiloh Baptist Church followed by services at 10 a.m. at the church.
Burial will be in Cedar Park Cemetery.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences for the family.
Adele Slocum (1925 – 2013)
GHENT—Adele Slocum of Hollowville, an extraordinary gardener, dedicated library volunteer and determined traveler, has died at the age of 87.
She died January 24, 2013 in Ghent after a long illness brought on by post-operative complications.
Mrs. Slocum moved to Columbia County (part-time in 1968, and then full time in the 1980s), after a career in New York City as an editor and writer, including serving as editor of the award-winning Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center magazine.
With her late husband John Slocum, she worked tirelessly to create extensive and beautiful flower gardens. She was a member of the Rock Garden Society and participated in the Garden Conservancy Open Days. She brought her editor’s exactitude to horticulture, memorizing countless Latin names and studying growing patterns and potential with determination.
She served on the board of the Claverack Free Library, and helped to develop a popular program series, featuring art historians, authors, musicians and yoga instructors.
Born in New Haven, CT, in 1925, she was the daughter of Peter Trenchi and Evelyn Gangi Trenchi, both of whom immigrated from Italy. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1948, and moved to NYC to begin her career. Throughout her life, she found time to travel widely, often to less well-known destinations.
Mrs. Slocum is survived by her stepson Peter Slocum, his wife Ann Sayers, of Keene, NY., their two daughters, Emily Slocum of Manhattan and Molly Slocum Smith of Darby, MT.; three nieces, Lorraine Ferrell of Franklin, TN., Susan Henninger of Bartlett, TN., Barbara Trenchi of San Diego, CA.; a nephew Peter Trenchi of Sewanee, TN., and several grandnieces and nephews; and special friends Tom Carty and Howard Van Lenten of Hillsdale.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene and Whittier Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their competence and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Adele Slocum’s memory to the Claverack Free Library and the Columbia-Greene Humane Society. Friends and family are planning a memorial gathering in the spring.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences for the family.
Kevin H. Jensen (1967 – 2013)
STEPHENTOWN—Kevin Harding Jensen, 45, of Grottoes, VA, died suddenly Sunday, January 20 from injuries received in a two-car accident in Stephentown.
Born December 19, 1967 in Detroit, MI, he was the son of Barbara Harding Farah of Lompoc, CA and Paul C. Jensen.
Mr. Jensen was a self-employed handyman working in the Stephentown area occasionally. He had a big heart and a great spirit. For those who knew him understand what a loving and lasting impression he made on everyone he met.
He is survived by: his mother, Barbara Harding Farah, step-father, Louis Farah; brother, Christopher Cilley; sister, Lindsey (Daniel) Mault; nephews, Kai, Cade and Kian Mault; father, Paul Jensen; several uncles and aunts. There was a celebration of life service Saturday, January 26 at the Dexter United Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Drive, Dexter, Michigan.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home of Stephentown.