Janet Nelson Nickerson
Born December 18, 1938
Cornwall, NY
Janet Nelson Nickerson was born December 18, 1938 in Cornwall, New York. She was the only beloved daughter of Ernest and Mildred Haas Luedtke. Her parents were from Kingston, NY; Janet was the last descendent of the Haas family to remember “life in the family home” on Ravine Street, Kingston during the last four generations. Janet enjoyed family life and was very close to her relatives. She maintained regular contact with all of them. When her mother was no longer able to live alone following the death of Ernie, she had an addition built on her home for her mother for whom she cared for 22 years. Janet attended Liberty Street School, Newburgh through the fifth grade when the family moved to Cornwall where her parents built their home on Hickory St. She entered Cornwall High School, graduating in 1956. Upon graduation she began employment at Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation, Newburgh. In 1959 she married James W. Nelson, Newburgh. Their son, Jonathan was born on his mother’s birthday in 1962. They built their home in New Windsor where Janet continued to reside until October 2021 when she relocated to Glen Arden in Goshen, NY. She taught her many piano-organ students with care, patience, more recently on Zoom until the time of her death.
Janet was a well-known organist and pianist. Her early piano study began at age 5 with Margaret Sears Fletcher, Newburgh. Upon moving to Cornwall she continued piano lessons and began early organ study with Virginia Paine. Upon Miss Paine’s fatal car accident, Mr. Luedtke secured William Johnson, Newburgh as Janet’s teacher. Mr. Johnson quickly recognized Janet’s talents and introduced her to various church organs where she began her organ career. In 1957 Mr. Johnson died as a result of a tragic accident. She then continued her sacred organ lessons with Dr. Thurston Dox, Goshen until he relocated to Hartwick College, Oneonta. Her lessons continued with Dr. John A. Davis, Cadet Chapel, West Point. Janet also began advanced lessons in theater organ styles and improvisation with the famed theatre organist and accompanist for radio soap operas and TV shows; Rosa Rio, New York City. There were weekly trips to both teachers. In 1970 she entered the Guilmant Organ School, NYC, where she studied sacred organ music/choir directing and private organ study with Dr. George A. Markey.
Through the years she has served at various churches as organist and choir director. Her first position in 1955 was at Mountainville Methodist Church, then served as substitute in various Hudson Valley churches. Janet then accepted the positions as organist/choir director at Union Presbyterian Church, Newburgh (1958-1970, 1981-1991); First Presbyterian Church, Goshen (1970-1975); St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Middletown (1975-1981); King of King’s Lutheran, New Windsor (1995-present). From 1960-1963 Janet was accompanist for the Classical Choral Society. She was also featured in many solo recitals and as accompanist for soloists both locally and in New York City. She has also served as organist at various Hudson Valley churches for countless weddings and funerals.
When Jonathan entered kindergarten, Janet enrolled in Mt. St. Mary College, Newburgh. She continued on a part-time basis until she enrolled at Guilmant. Several years later she returned to the Mount and graduated in 1980 with a BA in Psychology.
In addition to her church work, teaching and college studies, Janet was employed by the Town of New Windsor (1970-1974); Orange County Department of Social Services (1974-1999) when she retired. Her career began as an entry level clerk and advanced through the ranks to Sr. Caseworker and Case Supervisor in Child Protective Services. Her years of service were completed in Newburgh. During the remainder of her life she continued her musical career even as she battled pancreatic cancer for the past few years.
Janet served on the Board of the Newburgh Chapter of the American Cross. She was a member of Mt. St. Mary Alumni Assoc., having served as its secretary and later Chairman (1994-1996). She continued to be an active NYS certified organ/piano teacher of Hudson-Catskill Music Teacher’s Assoc. (NYSMTA) having served three terms as chairperson and co-chair. She was a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church, New Windsor, Central Hudson Valley Chapter of American Guild of Organists where she received the Distinguished Membership Award in 2019 and Temple Star Chapter #286 Order of the Eastern Star. Janet and her husband Donald Nickerson whom she married in 1991, enjoyed their yearly two weeks of vacation on Cape Cod and trips to Maine to visit with Donald’s children and grandchildren. There were also several cruises to the Caribbean and Nova Scotia.
Janet often called her various friends for the past 75 years just to keep in contact; spent many hours writing notes and sending cards. She was delighted in seeing her family whom she loved so dearly. She could be described as a loving, caring, forgiving perfectionist in every task she undertook.
She was pre-deceased by her parents (1982 and 2009), her loving husband Donald (2013) and her former husband James W. Nelson (2019). She is survived by her beloved family, including her son, Jonathan and his wife Diana, grandsons Jonathan Nelson II and his wife, Amanda, Timothy Nelson and fiancé, Nicole Norton, great granddaughters, Summer Marie, Aubrie Lynn, Mackenzie Rachelle, Peyton Elizabeth, stepdaughter Betsy Dreves and family of Lebanon, Maine and stepson Bruce Nickerson (Aline) and family of Hallowell, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, Janet would like to be remembered with donations to King of Kings Lutheran Church, 543 Union Ave., New Windsor, NY 12553.
Visiting hours will be Wednesday, May 10th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 543 Union Ave., New Windsor, NY 12553. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 11th at 10 am at King of Kings Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the family plot at Montrepose Cemetery, Kingston, New York.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc. 39 Orchard Street, Walden, NY 12586 To send the family a condolence, please visit www.gridleyhoran.com
Charlotte A. (Webb) Ostman
May 20, 1970 – May 5, 2023
Cornwall, NY
Charlotte A. (Webb) Ostman, of Cornwall, N.Y. entered into rest on May 5, 2023. Born on May 20, 1970, in Lockport, N.Y, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Evoy) Webb. Charlotte worked for The Mental Health Association of Westchester County where she was the Chief Executive Officer – LCSW-R. Charlotte earned her BS from Cornell University (1988-1992), and her MSW from New York University (1994-1997).
Charlotte was a woman full of passion, and this passion was made manifest in myriad ways. It was illustrated most profoundly in the love she bore her children, and through the great adventure she began with Ulf, nearly three decades ago. It was revealed when she took to the floor to dance, or when she would swim. You could find it in her kitchen, and in her flowers, in her generosity, and in her humor. It dominated the room when she had a point to make, and made her a formidable advocate for other humans for the entirety of her adult life. It was written across her face when she spoke about magical things; it was experienced by her friends when she gave them her enthusiasm and support. Charlotte’s passion held until the end, made concrete in her assertion that Ulf was waiting for her, to be with her, to help her cross over. Charlotte’s passion was the driving force underneath her dynamism, and while it has shifted from the material world to the spirit, it most certainly lives on. She’d fight like hell if it were any other way.
Charlotte’s husband Ulf E. Ostman passed away on December 30, 2019. Mother of Elinor, Jonas, Griffin and Beatrix; sister of Charles (Anissa) of Clearwater, Florida; in-laws Ake (Elvy) Ostman of Nykoping, Sweden; sister-in-law of Par (Cecilia Edling) Ostman of Varmdo, Sweden; as well as several cousins, relatives, and countless friends.
As per Charlotte’s wishes, there will be no public services.
Memorial Contributions in Charlotte Ostman’s name may be made to The Mental Health Association of Westchester, Development, MHA Westchester, 580 White Plains Rd., Suite 510, Tarrytown, NY 10591 or to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences, please go to www.Quigleybros.com
Thomas Smidt II
January 15, 1946—May 1, 2023
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Thomas Smidt II, father, husband, friend, attorney, and a resident of Albuquerque since 1976, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 1, 2023.
Mr. Smidt was born in New York City to Thomas R. Smidt and Camilla Cole Smidt on January 15, 1946. He grew up in Mt. Kisco, NY and attended the Bedford Rippowam School through the ninth grade. He then attended The Choate School, followed by The Lawrenceville School in 1964. In 1968, Mr. Smidt graduated from the University of Virginia and then attended American University School of Law where he graduated top of his class earning him a coveted internship with the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. for five years.
In 1976, Thomas, or ‘Tom’ as he was known by friends, moved with his family across the country to Albuquerque, New Mexico. After some years with local firms, he opened his own firm and practiced there until his death. He practiced with his eldest son during the last nineteen years.
Tom was deeply involved with his community, serving on many boards throughout the state of New Mexico. He was a generous supporter of numerous no-kill animal shelters, including Watermelon Mountain Ranch.
In his younger years, Tom was an avid tennis player, with a beguiling serve. He took numerous photos of his children and family and put together sensational slide shows. In later years, neighbors would know him by his early morning walks with his beloved rescue dogs, no matter the weather. He also had an amazing green thumb, filling his house and office with some of the most arduous of plants.
He loved being involved with his children and grandchildren and attended countless soccer games, gymnastics competitions, swim meets, musical performances and numerous other activities. He even stepped in to help coach when asked. He especially loved visiting his cherished Deerwoods property on the Hudson.
Tom had just celebrated his 30th anniversary with his devoted wife Vicki. They loved each other deeply and shared a devotion to their children and grandchildren as well as many rescue animals. They also enjoyed traveling together to various destinations. They would regularly visit Hawaii, often with close family and friends in attendance. In previous years, they would make annual trips with Tom’s mother to places in which she had expressed interest. Quite often, at the Deerwoods property, they hosted family, long time friends, and new acquaintances from both near and far. All were welcome to enjoy the splendor and magic of the revered grounds.
Tom had a servant’s heart. No matter his schedule or how busy he might be, he would help anyone who was in need. He was kindhearted, generous and inclusive. Always the diplomat, Tom was known as the glue that bound his family together. And, if you knew Tom, you would receive a call on your birthday every year without fail.
He was preceded in death by his mother Camilla Smidt, his father Thomas R. Smidt, and many beloved pets.
He is survived by his wife, Victoria S. Smidt of Albuquerque, his children Marie Smidt Reinarz (Cole Reinarz) of Cedar Park, Texas, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Smidt III (Annie Smidt) of Albuquerque, David M. Smidt (Aimee Smidt) of Albuquerque, John B. Smidt (Danielle Smidt) of Denver, CO, Miranda Alongi (Michael Alongi) of West Hills, CA, and his grandchildren, Will Hamic, Lauren Hamic, Grete’ Hamic, Cole Smidt, Ryan Smidt, Wheeler Smidt, Oakley Smidt and Vance Alongi.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held in Albuquerque, NM on Sunday, June 11th, 2023 from 2-5pm in an open house format at the Tramway Plaza Event Center, 9600 Tennyson Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. Eulogies will take place starting at around 3:00. If you know Tom’s favorite color, please wear it proudly!
A second celebration will be held on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 at Deerwoods in Cornwall, NY for friends and family.
Tom loved to reminisce and share stories and fond memories. A website has been created for family and friends to visit and share their own personal memories of Tom. Please visit tsmidt2.com.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to contribute to Tom’s memory, please consider a donation to Watermelon Mountain Ranch (mailing: 1380 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE, Suite 374 Rio Rancho, NM 87124/or visit: https://www.wmranch.org).
Joan Ogden Stern
September 18, 1924—May 2, 2023
Mountainville, NY
Joan Ogden Stern passed away on May 2, 2023 at the age of 98. The daughter of the late Ralph E. Ogden and Beatrice (Wellington) Ogden, Joan was born on September 18, 1924 in Manhattan.
Joan was charming, kind and modest. She loved travel, poetry, art, music, and most of all, her family and friends – particularly her grandchildren. She was well loved for her generosity, humor and genuine interest in others. She appreciated fine food, was a superb hostess, and her love of ice cream was legendary.
Her family lived in New York City and Long Island before relocating to Mountainville, NY in 1929, where her grandparents had purchased a small dairy farm. Her father later moved his family business, Star Expansion Industries, to Mountainville, expanded the family dairy farm, and in 1960 founded Storm King Art Center. For many years, Joan maintained residences in both New York City and Mountainville.
Joan was a graduate of Oldfields School, Sarah Lawrence College, and Bank Street School of Education. She taught pre-school in New York City until 1953 when she married H. Peter Stern and started a family. In the 1980’s, she received a Masters in English Literature from New York University.
An American Youth Hostel trip to Europe in 1946 was transformative for her. This experience of helping children cope with the aftermath of World War II, contributed to her lifelong interest in teaching, volunteer work and social justice. She became an early advocate for anti-smoking efforts and gun control. At the age of 85 she joined the Board of the Ralph E. Ogden Foundation, serving as an active Trustee for over ten years.
She was passionate about poetry; her poems appeared in several poetry journals and a book of her poems, Fractured Light, was published in the 1980’s. She loved music, travel and art, becoming an avid collector of 20th century paintings. In 1992, she married her second husband, Zdzislaw Jan Bochynski. They were happily married for more than thirty years.
Joan is survived by her husband, Zdzislaw Jan Bochynski of Manhattan, NY; her daughters: Lisa Stern and Beatrice Stern of Mountainville, NY; her son: John P. Stern of Mountainville, NY; her stepchildren: Michael Bochynski and Magdalena Bochynski-Lipinska, and by her beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8th at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson St. Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.
Contributions in Joan’s name can be made to Storm King Art Center.
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences, please go to www.Quigleybros.com