Obituary of Eileen A. Clickman
Eileen Myra Clickman, nee Arnold, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Shaker Place in Albany, NY. She was 95 years old.
Born at home during a snowstorm on January 2, 1929, in Westerlo, NY to Isaac Merlin and Elizabeth Sarah (Moak) Arnold, Eileen was the second baby delivered by beloved Westerlo Physician Dr. Anna Perkins.
She was raised on the family farm in Berne, graduated from Berne Knox school in 1947 and married the love of her life Levi Clickman. They moved to Westerlo where she remained until last year.
She worked at Montgomery Ward and the Tollgate Restaurant before starting work in the office at Hannay Reels where she spent the next 20 plus years before retiring.
When her boys were young, Eileen was a foster mom, caring for newborn babies until they were placed with adoptive families.
Back when schools had “feeder routes” she ferried kids to the Westerlo School in the family station wagon.
Eileen was a Life Member of the Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, joining in 1959 when Levi was a fireman and the ladies wanted to do something to help them. They provided water, coffee, and meals while the men were working at the scene. They raised funds for the company with breakfasts, dinners, and Bingo Nights, but her favorite event was the Annual Strawberry Festival. She was recently honored for 65 years of service.
She was a lifelong member of the Westerlo Reformed Church and was active in the ladies group. She would recall stories of raising her sons in the church, participating in pizza nights, church fairs, donation suppers, chicken barbecues and roast pork suppers.
She and Levi loved traveling and were especially fond of camping, sharing that pastime with their sons and grandchildren. Their favorite destination was the Amish Country in PA. They belonged to the Helderberg Hilltoppers and camped with them for many years. They also snowmobiled and belonged to the Northwind Riders.
They enjoyed bowling at the old lanes at Lake Onderdonk and Del Lanes followed by a gathering at someone’s home for refreshments.
After Levi passed, she went on trips with the Berne Seniors and traveled to visit family, the Sight & Sound Theater, Disney World and on a cruise. No matter the destination, she was always up for a drive.
Thankfully she was able to live at home until just last year. Her family would like to thank the staff at Peregrine Crossgates and Shaker Place for their care and support.
She is survived by her sister Shirley (Daniel) Michaels of Westerlo; Sons Merlin Clickman of Strafford, NH, Allan Clickman and his fiancé Kelley Keefe of Westerlo, NY; Grandchildren Jennifer (Chad) Thurber of Claremont, NH, Matthew (Catherine) Clickman of Braintree, MA, Allan (Tara) Clickman of Lowgap, NC, Jason (Amanda) Clickman of Westerlo, NY, Amanda (Matthew) Hamilton of Somersworth, NH and Joshua Clickman of Dover, NH; 25 great grandchildren and many friends and extended family members. Eileen is predeceased by her parents, beloved husband of 50 years, grandchildren Jessica Clickman, Isaac and his wife April Clickman, daughter-in-law Colette Clickman and many cherished friends.
Calling hours will be Friday, May 10 from 4-7pm at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The funeral will be Saturday, May 11 at 10 am at the Westerlo Reformed Church, 564 State Route 143, Westerlo, followed by burial in Westerlo Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Westerlo Reformed Church, PO Box 70, Westerlo, NY 12193 or the Westerlo Vol. Fire Company, PO Box 87, Westerlo, NY 12193 are suggested. Condolence page is available at ajcunninghamfh.com.