Kevin J. Ely (1957 – 2015)
HUDSON—It is with great sadness that the family of Kevin J. Ely of Hudson announces his unexpected death February 22 at the age of 58.
Mr. Ely was the loving husband of Donna Ely for 34 years and an amazing father to his daughters, Nicole (David) Pereira and Danielle (Tony) Ely. He always made everyone laugh, especially his two granddaughters, Cali Ely and Kiyana Pereira.
Mr. Ely was predeceased by his father, Joseph Ely and brother, Brian Chris Ely.
He leaves behind: his mother, Arlene Ely of Ghent; his three sisters, Kathy (Matt) Griffin, Pamela Ely and Susan (George) Oram; several nieces; nephews; cousins and the “entire world who loved him.”
Mr. Ely was born in Brooklyn and moved upstate to Red Hook with his family in 1973. He received his nursing degree from Columbia-Greene and continued to have a wonderful career in psychiatric nursing. He worked at Columbia Memorial Hospital for 17 years. He loved helping people, brought light to tough situations and will be greatly missed by his fellow staff and friends.
Mr. Ely will be remembered for his sense of humor, his impromptu storytelling and easy-going nature. He enjoyed everything outside, including walks with his wife, fishing, gardening and the beach. He was very artistic, intelligent, and enjoyed rocking out to his music.
So in his honor, make someone laugh and turn the music up.
Visiting hours are 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, February 28 at the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Services will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences for the family.
Carolyn Cleveland (1935 – 2015)
NORTH HILLSDALE—Carolyn Cleveland, 80, of North Hillsdale passed away Tuesday, February 24 at her home of natural causes. She had been battling health issues for several years.
She was born January 31, 1935 in East Orange, NJ, daughter of Albert and Dorothy (Beams) Brey.
Mrs. Cleveland is remembered by her husband of 60 years, Richard H. Cleveland, Sr.; her six children, Sharon and Sam, Karen and Milford Rogers, Rick and Deb Cleveland, Randy and Nancy, Danny and Terry and Carrie and Sam Spragis; as well as, her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Cleveland was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose ability to make people feel loved was unmatched. She has touched the lives of so many with her kind words, warm heart and open home.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be sent to the Community Rescue Squad in her memory, for all of their dedication and assistance over the years.
In accordance with Mrs. Cleveland’s wishes there will be no formal services, a celebration of her life will be held at the Cleveland residence, 670 Hunt Road, Hillsdale, Saturday, February 28 from noon to 5 p.m.
Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Copake.
To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net
Margaret R. Spier (1936 – 2015)
STUYVESANT FALLS—Margaret Spier passed away peacefully at home, February 25 in the presence of her sons and dearest friends.
Born Margaret Ruth Carter, May 6, 1936 in Los Angeles, CA, she was a graduate of The Cambridge School and Bryn Mawr College. She lived in Stuyvesant Falls from 1962 until her death.
She was predeceased by her husband, David Houston Spier. She is survived by: her sons, John Spier of Block Island, Rhode Island, and Benjamin Spier of Brooklyn; daughter-in-law, Kerri Spier; grandchildren, David, Samuel and Selena Spier.
She will be remembered and missed as a well-read, classically-educated woman of sharp mind and gentle spirit; as a dedicated friend, wife and mother, and as a lifelong advocate for peace, equality and social justice.
A memorial service will be held at her Stuyvesant Falls farmhouse in May.
Donations in her memory may be made to Block Island Health Services or to any charity serving the world’s less fortunate.
Arrangements are with Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie.
