Hilda Townsend

Hilda F. Townsend 77, of Lawyersville Rd. Cobleskill, NY, died on the morning of August 26, 2014 at her residence under the loving care of her family and hospice.

Hilda was born on Feb. 20, 1937 in Milford, Massachusetts, the daughter of George Borden Townsend and Robina (Seay) Townsend Newhall. Hilda married William S. Townsend, Jr. on August 6, 1955. After many years of farming in Pepperell, Massachusetts, Bill and Hilda purchased Stormcrest Farm on Lawyersville Road from Klaus and Kathe Kroencke and moved to Cobleskill on Dec. 26, 1970. Hilda was a farm wife, raised three children and was employed by several businesses in Cobleskill. Hilda held the position of Schoharie County Director of the American Dairy Association and worked directly with promoting the dairy industry locally and on the state and national level. She was especially involved with the Schoharie County Dairy Princess program. Hilda was dedicated to several community causes, serving on the library board, supporting the preservation of the Dutch-style barn on the VanWagenen property in Lawyersville and lobbied for the establishment of a long-term care facility in Schoharie County. In 1986, Hilda, inspired by her love of all things country and antique, opened a country store on Stormcrest Farm and in 1989 later, purchased the 1933 Cobleskill State School Grange Hall on Rte. 145 in East Cobleskill and moved her successful business there, renaming it, The Patent Country Shop and Antique Emporium. She soon expanded the business to include a restaurant and teashop. During her tenure as a business owner, Hilda was invited to make several well-received presentations on entrepreneurship to students in at SUNY Cobleskill. Hilda sold the business in early 1997 and had her dream house built on the hill in Lawyersville. Hilda also enjoyed sewing, decorating, discussing politics and travel. Her retirement was caring for her husband, Bill, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Bill predeceased her on May 13, 2012.

Hilda is survived by her three grateful children: Donna Fava and her partner Bill Hoffmann of Chennai, India, Jeffrey S. Townsend and his partner, Mandy Manchester of Cobleskill, NY and William B. and, his wife, Dawn Townsend of Cobleskill, NY, seven grandchildren; Edwin, Katie, Nicole, Renee, Eric, Jeremy and Melissa. Her sister, Barbara Carpenter, predeceased Hilda.

Services for Hilda will be held at her home at 725 Lawyersville Rd. on Thursday, September 4 at 4PM. Officiating will be Rev. Pacia Ferrell Vamvas of the Lawyersville Reformed Church. Food and fellowship will be enjoyed immediately following the service and all are welcome. A memorial service (date to be determined at a later time) will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Rossbach of 132 Barker Hill Road, Townsend, MA, after which, Hilda will be laid to rest with her dear husband, Bill, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Pepperell, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 795 East Main St., Suite 11 Cobleskill, NY 12043. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the many dear family and friends and Hospice, who have lent invaluable support, compassion and love throughout Hilda's illness.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill and Palmer & Shaylor Funeral Home of Middleburgh.