Stella Close

KING FERRY - Stella Close, 92, of King Ferry, died at 3:26 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2003, at her residence.

Mrs. Close was born in Glens Falls, the daughter of the late Frank and Eva Putkowski. She graduated with a baccalaureate degree from Albany State in 1932 and from Middlebury College, earning her master's degree in 1933. She came to King Ferry on Jan. 1, 1934 to teach at King Ferry Central School and eventually at Southern Cayuga Central School. She retired in May 1973 after teaching Latin, French and Spanish, as well as several other subjects as needed. During World War II, she taught for a time at Sherwood Central School.

She was a communicant of Our Lady of the Lake Church in King Ferry, and was a past member of the Altar and Rosary Society.

She was married to William A. Close on Oct. 26, 1940. Bill died June 6, 1976.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan E. Close and her husband, Donald P. Robin, of King Ferry; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Edward Putnam (Jean) of Larchmont; 12 nieces and nephews, Edward Wilbur of Burlington, Vt., John Wilbur of Saratoga Springs, Fred Putkowski of Amsterdam, Daniel Putnam of Mount Kisco, Robert Putnam of Brooklyn, Jeannie Putnam of Portchester, Laura Putnam of Larchmont, Dorann Johnson of Southington, Conn., William McDermott of Genoa, John McDermott of Leesburg, Fla., James McDermott of Austin, Texas, and Arthur McDermott of Auburn; several great-nieces and nephews; several great-great-grandnieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Shakelton Funeral Home, 418 Main St., Aurora. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Our Lady of the Lake Church in King Ferry, with the Rev. Father Donald Curtiss officiating. Interment will be in West Genoa Cemetery in the spring.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Genoa Historical Association or the West Genoa Cemetery Association in memory of Mrs. Close.