Kathleen M. Jone

Delhi, NY - Kathleen Stewart Jone, 83, passed away at Kings Way Arms, Nursing Home, Schenectady, NY, on March 7th of complications from a series of strokes. Kathleen was born August 12, 1936 in Delhi, NY, a few minutes ahead of her twin sister, Kathryn. She was the daughter of the late J. Edward and Berniece DeSilva Stewart. Kathleen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ben Jone, her brother, James Stewart and her brother-in-law, Andrew M. Raring. She is survived by her sisters, Kathryn (Zoltan) Hegedus, Sue Ann (John Novak) Raring and sister-in-law, Laura Stewart. Kathleen also is survived by 5 nephews, Damon Stewart, a supportive caregiver in her late years, Jay Stewart and Otis, Alexander and Stewart Raring, as well as many great nieces and nephews. Her beloved, numerous DeSilva and Stewart cousins remain to cherish memories of her kind, loving spirit. The family is also indebted to her very special Manhattan friend, Joan (Larry) Laracuente.

Kathleen’s early childhood was in Bovina Center, NY, where she attended a one room schoolhouse (fourth grade) before moving to the family home, Mapledale Farm, in Delhi to attend and graduate from Delaware Academy. She was a 1957 graduate of New York State Agricultural and Technical Institute at Delhi (now State University) majoring in business studies.

Upon graduation, she moved to New York City and was employed at the Royal Bank of Canada, living at the Robert’s House. After a brief period of time, Kathleen moved to her lifelong residence of 60 years on West 110th St, Manhattan – a spacious, lovely home where she and Ben welcomed family and friends to enjoy the city they loved. She also attended nearby Riverside Church, where she met Ben.

During her career, Kathleen’s business skills and excellent organizational abilities were recognized, first, as an administrative assistant to the Department Chair of Genetics, Mt. Sinai and, lastly, to the Chair for the Department of Rehabilitative Medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital as a staff administrator, which included the coordination of grant procurement programs.

Kathleen was known for her kindness to others, a warm smile and a witty sense of humor. She lived a full life and will be missed by all who knew her. A memorial service and interment at Bovina Center Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorials in her name to Bovina Center Historical Society, County Rd. Rte 6, Attn: Raymond LaFever, Bovina Center, NY, 13740. Online condolences to www.rossiditorofuneralhome.com