Constance "Connie" Near

Constance "Connie" Near passed away comfortably Wednesday December 7,2022 at Columbia Memorial Hospital after a brief illness, in the care of Columbia-Greene Hospice.

Connie was born on March 4, 1923 in Copake to Leonard and Hazel (Miller) Rossman. She lived in Hollowville NY and attended the Hollowville School and then Roeliff Jansen School where she graduated in 1941. During World War II, Connie was the Plane Spotter and Air Raid Warden for the hamlet of Hollowville. After her Graduation she worked as a secretary at the Roeliff Jansen School.

On February 16, 1947 she married the love of her life, Alfred "Butch" Near and they were married for 48 years until his passing in 1995. After their marriage, Connie became a homemaker and supported her husband in his career on his family's farm. When Butch was elected Town of Copake Supervisor, she became the bookkeeper for the town, until her retirement.

She was active in many local organizations, She was a long time member and supporter of the Copake United Methodist Church and served on it's Board of Trustees, a member of the United Methodist Church Womens Group and volunteered for many years in the church's Bargain Shop. She was a long time member and Past president of the West Copake Fire Company Women's Auxillary, the Copake Republican Club, Roeliff Jansen Alumni Association and the Roe Jan Historical Society. She was one of the founders of the Copake Girls 4H Club.

In her spare time Connie enjoyed gardening (and hand to hand combat with woodchucks and chipmunks threatening her garden), puzzles, sewing, knitting, crocheting, enjoying her family and being a Nana and Grandnana.

In her granddaughters, Meredith and Amanda's younger years, she spent many special times with them at her house. She also enjoyed her shenanigans with her grandsons Steven and Joseph, which will remain their secret and which their parents are better off not knowing.

Connie is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Adam) Nartowicz of Claverack, her son, Jan (Marie) Near of Copake Falls, her grandchildren, Meredith Hummel (Cary Feltman) of Westerlo NY, Amanda Hummel (Ian Solomon) of Claverack, NY, Steven (Missy) Near of Claverack, NY, Joseph (Burke) Near of Moon Township,PA. great- grandchildren, Hazel Downs, Henry Downs, and Inez Solomon. She is also survived by her sister Doris McGeary of Hollowville, and several nieces and nephews.

Connie was pre-deceased by her husband Butch, and her brothers Robert Rossman, Richard Rossman, and her sisters Augusta Rossman and Laura Rossman.

We love and miss you, and we will see you on the other side.

Friends may call at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Inc, 8063 Rte 22, Copake Falls, NY December 20, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:00 am. The Funeral Service will follow at 11:00am. Burial will be in the Mellenville Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Connie requested donations be made in her name to the Copake United Methodist Church, Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414 or the charity of your choice.

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