Obituary of Lucille Ann Bish

Lucille Ann Bish of Niskayuna, NY, passed away peacefully at home on July 13, 2021. She was born in Schenectady on April 1, 1929 to Howard P. and Vivian (Townsend) Bish and was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School. Known to friends and family as “Ann” or “Annie,” she earned her BS in education from The Ohio State University (1951), where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and inducted into the Mortar Board honor society, and her MA in education from Syracuse University (1956). Ann’s service as president of her university YWCA in 1950 provided field trips that included impoverished areas of New York City, the headquarters of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, and a conference with Eleanor Roosevelt at Val-Kill Farm. In 1952 she was part of a YMCA-YWCA study group examining social, political, and economic conditions in six European countries. These experiences and more influenced her commitment to education as the field “in which I could best contribute to the promotion of democratic attitudes.” Ann began her career teaching elementary school in Schenectady and Shaker Heights (OH). She then served as Head Resident at Syracuse University (1954-56), Dean of Women at Wilmington (OH) College (1956-58), Supervisor of Women’s Housing at SUNY Buffalo (1958-62), and teacher of English at Kenmore Public Schools (1962-91). She wrapped up her career teaching writing skills at Schenectady County Community College (1993-95). Travel, book clubs, her Shelties, and lifelong learning programs including UCALL at Union College provided fulfillment during her retirement. Lifelong participation with the American Association of University Women included terms as president of the Buffalo branch (1989-90), AAUW NY public policy director (1998-2001), and the AAUW NYS board of directors (1998-2001). She also served on the community advisory council for SUNY Buffalo (1992-97) and was a member of the League of Women Voters and First Reformed Church of Schenectady. Ann was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth “Betty” Emigh and brother-in-law C. Robert “Bob” Emigh, and nephews Robert “Buzz” Emigh (Patricia Saint John) and David Emigh (Phyllis). She is survived by nephew Theodore “Ted” Emigh (Virginia) and dear friend Analine Hicks; grandnephews and grandnieces Will Emigh (Maggie Sullivan), Rob Emigh (Angel Jones), Linnea Hubbard, Gwyneth Emigh, and Megan Emigh (Sean Wilner); and their children. Per Ann’s wishes, services will be limited to a private graveside gathering.