Ann E. David

Ann E. David GalwayAnn Elizabeth Amidon David, 75, longtime resident of North Syracuse, NY, died Friday evening, April 19, 2013, at home in Galway, NY, with family by her side. Ann was born on June 29, 1937, in Syracuse, NY, the daughter of the late Edwin Henry Amidon Sr., and the late Elaine Phoebe Wilson Amidon. She married Allen Ray David, of Galway, NY, on October 23, 1964. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Allen Ray David; daughter, Amy David of Galway, NY; son, William David (Nadine Bradley) of Binghamton, NY; stepdaughters, Jana (Thom) Thayer of Galway, NY, and Terry David (Tim) Smock of East Rochester, NY; five grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren; brother, Edwin H. Amidon Jr. (Louise McCarren) of Charlotte, VT; sister, Marion Amidon of Sudbury, MA; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Ann moved with her family from Syracuse, NY, to Central Square, NY, at the age of 9. She graduated from high school in Central Square in 1955 where she was an accomplished pianist, performing regularly with a sextet. She continued her music education at Potsdam State University and then received her bachelor's degree from Syracuse University in 1962 and master's degree in teaching also from Syracuse University in 1967. While earning her degrees, she worked for Carrier Corporation and the Manufacturers Association of Syracuse. She taught one semester at Bessie Riordan School in Mattydale, NY, and one semester in Central Square. She taught pre-first and first grade for 22 years at Bear Road Elementary School in North Syracuse, NY. She was an avid gardener and miniaturist, and she was a charter member of Syracuse Area Miniature Enthusiasts (S.A.M.E.), founded in 1974. After retiring in 1995, she and her husband moved to Galway to fulfill her dream of restoring an old farmhouse in a rural community. Through her volunteer work with the Friends of the Galway Public Library, she helped start the library, greatly enlarging the children's section and sorting library donations on a weekly basis. She was also a member of the Galway Preservation Society and served as its treasurer for a number of years. Ann possessed a remarkable ability to befriend nearly anyone with her down-to-earth friendliness, sweet smile, and a willingness to listen to people's stories. Her balanced viewpoints and generosity helped build good will and community in her teaching career, her retirement activities, and her family. She created a warm, child-centered second home in Galway where she welcomed family and dear friends. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Richard J. Ryan Funeral Home, 2034 West St., Galway, NY, on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A brief memorial service follows the calling hours. Interment will be in the Galway Village Cemetery following the service.