June Peiffer Dolph

June Peiffer Dolph passed away after a brief stay at the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY on Wednesday, November 3, 2010. She was 93. June was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on June 20, 1917 to William Peiffer and Mamie Bosold Peiffer. She was the youngest of three children, and the first person in her family to graduate from college. She received her degree in Art Education from Kutztown University; a few years later, she obtained her Masters of Education from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. During the war years, June was the Art Supervisor as well as the Director of the New Hope Recreation Center in New Hope, PA. Many people in the area appreciated the lively social scene that she organized for the town, from weekly dances and hayrides to local art shows. In 1948 June married Ormsby (Brud) Dolph, and for another year she lived in New Hope while commuting to Philadelphia to be the Head of the Art Department at Moore College. In 1949 she gave birth to her first child, and in 1950 she and her young family moved to Ithaca, NY and bought the house where June lived for the next 60 years. June had two more children, and when her youngest was five years old, she felt it time to return to the work force. She entered the employ of the Ithaca School District as an art teacher, and within a few years became the Art Supervisor for the Ithaca City Schools. She held that position for 22 years, as well as taught art in most Ithaca elementary schools. During that time June was included in Who's Who of American Women. Additionally, she initiated the now annual Art Week, which provides each art student from the area schools an opportunity to show their creations in a public gallery-style venue. She is fondly remembered as a wonderful art teacher by her many students, and as an innovator by her peers. June retired in 1983, and over the next 20 years she continued to immerse herself in the world of visual arts. She loved to paint in watercolours and acrylics, loved to sew clothing (especially for her six grandchildren) and complete upholstery projects, needlepoint pillows, and care for her beautiful garden. She also had time for European and Canadian travel, where she enjoyed visiting museums, gardens, and her grandchildren. As well, June loved to entertain, and well into her 80s gave frequent parties for her many devoted friends. She took pride in keeping a beautiful home and giving a warm welcome to all who came through her door. June realized her fervent wish to remain living in her house until the end. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by three children, Sandra, Linna and Buzz, six grandchildren, and her beloved pug Belle. To honor June and her productive life, there will be a retrospective art show of her work in the near future. The time and place will be announced in the Ithaca Journal. The opening night of the show will be her memorial party, where all who would like to come and remember June and view her artwork will be welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in June's name to Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.