Obituary of Sarah E. Kalney

CATSKILL – Sarah E. Kalney, 104, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, October 28, 2017 at Greene Meadows Nursing & Rehab Center. Born in Athens on November 16, 1912, she was daughter of the late William and Frances Burdick Hallenbeck. Sarah was raised on the family farm in Athens. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Athens, graduated from Athens High School, and attended business school in Albany for one year to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught business courses in Hudson in the late 1920's and early 30's, traveling by ferry from Athens in warm weather, and walking across the frozen Hudson River in winter. She also operated a taxi cab business in the later 1930's. Sarah married John Kalney on January 5, 1942. The couple moved to Tarrytown and raised their family. Mr. Kalney died in 1975, and Sarah moved to Georgia where her son Paul lived, returning to Greene County in 1980 where she has resided since. Sarah attended Greenville Center Baptist Church. She was the subject of a feature article in the Daily Mail on November 16, 2016, the occasion of her 104th birthday. Sarah is survived by two children, Judith F. (David) Merwin of Conesville and John J. (Paula) Kalney of Athens; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Sarah was predeceased by her son, Paul W. Kalney in 2005; her sister, Helen, and an infant brother. Relatives and friends may call at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, on Friday, November 3rd at 2 p.m., and are welcome to remain for the memorial service at 3 p.m. with Rev. Murray Mayfield officiating. Burial of ashes will be conducted privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Greenville Center Baptist Church, 46 Route 26-A, Greenville, NY 12083 will be appreciated. Condolences may be expressed at ajcunninghamfh.com.