Ellen Downing Meyers

Ellen Downing Meyers, 99, died peacefully on July 30, 2011. She was a local educator for over 30 years as well as a devoted mother and caregiver. Ellen was born on June 16, 1912 in Hudson, New York, the daughter of Florence Hardy Downing and Jeremiah Downing. She was married for 57 years to Robert F. Meyers, former judge for the City of Hudson and a practicing attorney until his death in September, 2000. She was also predeceased by her brother, Robert J. Downing of Allentown, Pennsylvania and Hudson, New York. Mrs. Meyers graduated from Albany State Teacher’s College in 1935. In 1943, she earned her Master’s Degree in English, also from Albany State. She continued her education throughout her teaching career, receiving post-graduate instruction at Vassar College in 1965. Mrs. Meyers began her career in education by teaching first grade at Greenport School. Within a few years, she moved on to teach sixth, seventh and eighth grades at Greenport, during the time period when the school was independent of the Hudson City School District. Following school district consolidation in 1966, Ellen finished her career teaching at the fourth grade level at Greenport. For almost 20 years, Ellen taught a variety of classes at the junior high level. She concentrated primarily in English, but taught subjects as diverse as geography while concurrently serving as school librarian. She earned a reputation for maintaining discipline in the classroom while trying to help each student succeed. Ellen retired from her teaching position in 1968 to become a full-time caregiver for her mother until her death in 1976. Although she continued on as a substitute teacher, she devoted most of her time to the care of others. She also continued to manage properties constructed by her father until well into her 90s. Mrs. Meyers was active in the local community and a member of the United Methodist Church. She served on the Board of Directors for the Home for the Aged. She was also an active member of Fortnightly and the Trippers Club. In addition, she formed her own, informal “Friday Night Club”. Ellen is survived by her daughter, Susan M. Miller of Alexandria, Virginia and a son, Robert J. Meyers, also of Alexandria, Virginia. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Lynn M. Lassiter of Orlando, Florida, Daniel Miller of Orlando, Florida and Henry S. Meyers and Kristina E. Meyers of Alexandria. Mrs. Meyers recently celebrated the birth of a great-grandaughter, Ashley Ellen Lassiter. Although Ellen travelled both domestically and internationally, she spent her entire life in Hudson, New York. And, until her last few days, she was able to remain in the home where she spent her early childhood. Having spent her life helping others, and being continually concerned for their well-being more than her own, Ellen received assistance, love and support from other caregivers to whom her family is forever grateful. Friends, relatives, colleagues, and former students are cordially invited to a calling hour on Wednesday starting at 1 pm at the Bates & Anderson - Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, followed by services at 2 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cedar Park Cemetery.

Ellen Downing Meyers

June 16, 1912 - July 30, 2011

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Ellen Downing Meyers

June 16, 1912 - July 30, 2011

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