Marilyn J. Hermance, 83, of Ulster Park
ULSTER PARK » Marilyn J. Hermance, 83, of West Hurley, formerly of Hermance Lane, Ulster Park, passed away while in the comforting presence of her family early Sunday morning, June 10, of 2018, at HealthAlliance Hospital, Broadway Campus.
Marilyn was born in Middletown, N.Y., on May 2, 1935; a daughter of the late Raymond and Reah (Crotty) Goble. In 1957, she married Louis (Bill) W. Hermance at Sacred Heart Church in Esopus. Together they owned Hermance Gardens in Ulster Park.
She was a graduate and valedictorian of Middletown High School, and a graduate of SUNY New Paltz where she earned her degree in teaching in 1957. Marilyn began her career as a teacher for over 35 years, spending most of her long career at the Port Ewen School, now the Robert Graves Elementary School. Her longtime teaching career also included assignments at both Sophie Finn and George Washington Elementary Schools. She loved to teach and tried to bring out the best in everyone.
She was a member of the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, where she was also a former board member, and a volunteer for the church’s annual Apple Festival.
Marilyn truly enjoyed traveling especially on cruises with her special friend and partner Dick Kingston, and visiting Cape Cod with her family, especially her grandchildren who were paramount in her life. She also enjoyed painting and angels, loved fried dough, collecting scarves, and was a founder of The Kid’s Garden Club in Ulster Park.
Marilyn always cared for others first, above herself. She enjoyed good conversation with family, friends, and even strangers, making friends anywhere she was. She especially loved reminiscing about her childhood. Marilyn was dedicated to keeping fit by attending the local gym, which she continued until her passing.
She is survived by her son, Thomas W. Hermance and his wife Jamy, of Ulster Park; her daughter, Judy A. Snyder and her husband James R., of West Hurley; one sister, Cathy Berger of Ulster Park; four grandchildren, Graham Hermance, Cyndi Snyder, Nate Snyder, and his girlfriend Heather, Loukas Hermance; one brotherin-law, Jack Hermance; nephews, Scott and Travis Hermance, and his fiance Cloudia; and her beloved cat, Tiger Lily; and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends, who she considered family.
In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her husband, Louis, who died in 1986; a brother-inlaw, Bob Berger; a niece, Mary Ann Berger; and her in-laws, Henry L. and Mary Hermance.
The family will receive friends at the GilpatricVanVliet Funeral Home, 339 Broadway, Ulster Park on Sunday, June 17, 2018, from 1 to 4 p.m.
The memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday at the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, 151 W. Main St, Port Ewen. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Marilyn’s memory to either: Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 699, Port Ewen, N.Y., 12466 or American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
To send the family an expression of condolence or for directions visit Marilyn’s Book of Memories: www.GVVFH.com