Bertha L. Anoney Harrington

Bertha L. Anoney Harrington, 98, passed in peace, surrounded by her family on August 24, 2016 at Sharon Health Care Center, Sharon, CT, where she resided for the last seven years.

Bertha was born November 12, 1917 in Warren, MA, daughter of the late Rev. Leslie and Suzanne (Plimpton) Anoney. As a Baptist minister's daughter she moved frequently, attending various schools. She graduated from Cold Spring High School, Cold Spring, NY in 1934.

She married the love of her life, Frederick Robert Harrington, in 1935.

She enjoyed a career in woman's retail sales before entering nursing school as a grandmother. In 1958 she graduated as an LPN from Grasslands Hospital in Valhalla, NY. In 1962 she graduated from St Luke's Nursing School in Newburgh, NY as a Registered Nurse. She lived on-site for three years of study, visiting her family on weekends.

Bertha enjoyed a varied nursing career, standing out amongst her peers. She had an innate ability to assess and diagnose, earning her the nickname "Doctor Harrington". Her many hospital stories shared with her family inspired her daughter and her granddaughter to enter careers in nursing.

She worked as a Coronary Care Nurse at Grasslands Hospital in Valhalla, NY; Mt. Kisco Hospital in Mt. Kisco, NY; and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. Bertha also worked as an Obstetrical Office Nurse. She concluded her nursing career at Mt. Kisco Hospital as Charge Nurse on a Women's Health Unit.

In 1977 Bertha retired from her hospital nursing career and became a nanny to physicians' and celebrities' children in the Mt. Kisco area. Bertha retired from her second career in her early 80s.

She loved music. She was a gifted violinist and also studied piano and voice. She belonged to a choral group in Cold Spring, NY.

She was a devoted Christian and served in the name of her Lord for many years. While a resident at Sharon Health Care Center she was an active participant and leader in the bible study group.

Bertha posed a strong and devoted love for all five generations of her family. She was immensely proud of them and their accomplishments, adorning her room with their photos.

While residing at Sharon Health Care Center, she served as President of the Residents Council and was the Welcome Resident to newcomers. She was a spelling bee champion adorning her walker with her many ribbons. She developed an artistic talent in her 90s, painting scenes for her family.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert Harrington in 1974, and her 22 year life partner, Sam Amusco, in March 2005.

Survivors include her daughter Roberta Kemp (Newton ); granddaughters Michelle Kemp Holst-Grubbe (George) and Adrienne Kemp D'Antonio (Lou); great-granddaughters Lisa Keeler Mielich (Robert), Allison Holst-Grubbe, and Aimee Keeler; and great-great-grandchildren Matthew Mielich, Austin Mielich, Mattison Mondene and Sophia Keeler.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, August 29, 2016 from 1 to 2 PM at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 South Main St, Pine Plains, NY.

Funeral services will follow at 2 PM with Pastor William Mayhew officiating.

Burial will follow at the Netherwood Baptist Church in Salt Point, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the United Church of Christ in Stanfordville, NY.

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