Obituary of Elizabeth L. Cluff

SCHUYLERVILLE – Elizabeth L. Cluff, 85, died on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at home. She was born August 30, 1924 in Johnson City, NY, the daughter of Ernest and Caroline (Schaffner) Paradis. Her brother, Robert Ernest Paradis, predeceased her on March 7, 1990. Mrs. Cluff was a secretary in the Propeller Division of Remington-Rand Corp., Johnson City, NY during World War II. On July 4, 1947 she married William R. Cluff, who survives her. When her children were grown, she managed a downtown Binghamton, NY book department, and then worked as Parish Visitor for the First Congregational Church U.C.C. in Binghamton. After retiring in 1990, she moved to Schuylerville where she became a member of Old Saratoga Reformed Church, serving as a Deacon on its consistory, secretary of the Executive Committee of Old Saratoga Church’s Women’s Guild, and was also a member of the Wednesday morning Ecumenical Bible Study group. She enjoyed her family and writing poetry, and had published in several journals and magazines. She was a member of Washington County Writers’ and Poets’ group. In addition to her husband of nearly 63 years, she is survived by a son, Robert W. Cluff of Myrtle Beach, SC and a daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline M. and William J. Standish of Schuylerville. Also surviving her are nine grandchildren: Matthew Cluff of Johnson City; Julie (Tory) Myler of Salem, NY; Jonathan Cluff (Melanie) of Myrtle Beach; Jennie (William) Gale of Schuylerville; Margaret (James) Shaw of Litchfield, CT; Marie (Stephen) Roberts of Schuylerville; Laura (Jay) Phillips of Schenectady, NY; William Standish and Timothy Standish, both of Schuylerville. She is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren and a niece, Linda C. Clink of San Jose, CA. Calling hours will take place at Flynn Brothers Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville, on Thursday, July 8 at 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM, with the Reverend Joyce de Velder officiating. Burial will be in Chenango Valley Cemetery, Hillcrest, NY on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to Old Saratoga Reformed Church Sunday School Fund or Community Hospice of Saratoga.