Obituary of June M Schermerhorn

Schenectady-June Marie (Edwards)Schermerhorn, 89, died at home with her family by her side on August 19, 2021 after a long and cruel battle with Lewy body Dementia. Born on December 21, 1931 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna Edwards. She was predeceased by her husband Richard James Schermerhorn of 52 years and her brother Robert Edwards. June graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1948 and from Union University Nursing School in 1952. She went on to work at Albany Medical Center, Ellis Hospital an d retired from St. Clare’s Hospital. June was a faithful parishioner of Emmanuel Friedens Church and helped to form a lasting federation. There she taught her children to be faithful stewards of God as well as the importance of volunteer work and helping those less fortunate. She was one of the first Bethesda House volunteers and would continue this work well into her 80’s. She taught her children the value of a family dinner and was a master of having everything come out hot and on time. She looked forward to our annual family trip to Maine where she also honeymooned, only missing this last summer. She inspired those around her to be generous with their time and she never missed an opportunity to entertain. She was an avid reader ,was a charter member of the “Angio” book club, and was never without a good mystery. When she could no longer read she would listen to books and found peace. She was a great mom who gently guided her children and had faith that they would make good decisions. As a grandmother she was known affectionately as a face slapper, a high school sporting event cheerleader and a haunted house volunteer. She balked at being placed in a coffin dressed as a vampire, but went along with it and did a great job. She was proud of each and every one of her grandchildren. She was a wonderful person and in return she was deeply loved. Known to most as Grandma June, G-Dogg, and even Jello shots. June is survived by her three children James (Dianne), Sue Ann (Paul) Grossman, Nancy (Christopher) Spencer. She is also survived by her six wonderful grandchildren Richard and Kathryn Schermerhorn, Ian Grossman, Jessica Williams, and Mary and Margaret Mitchell. She is also survived by Michael and Lynn LaBarge whom she considered her adopted children. It wasn’t until late in her illness that she would accept help. For this we sincerely thank Trish Harrington, Leslie D’aloi, Bibi Bookay, Betty Singh, Challonda Dobbs They did more than just care for June, they became family. Thank you to Tom Spencer, who could always get a smile out of her. And of course, thank you to her granddaughters Mary and Margaret, who cared for her, loved her dearly, kept her on he toes, and over the years taught her so many important teenager things. Thank you to her family doctor of many years, Dr. Mina Sun and her assistant Wendy, and to Dr. Holub who treated June like the person she was and not what was left after the ravaging disease had changed her and ultimately would take her from us. As always Community Hospice provided timely, wonderful care. Calling hours will be on Friday August 20th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. Funeral Services will be held Saturday August 21st at 9:30 a.m. at Emanuel Friedens Church, 218 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, followed by internment at Memory Gardens