Esther Kenney

Esther M. Kenney died September 11, 2012 at St. Luke's Hospital, Newburgh. She was the daughter of Alexander Niven Mac Pherson and Teresa Coyle Mac Pherson, born December 11, 1923 in Cold Spring, NY. On September 9, 1945 she married Gordon Lamont Kenney. They were the first couple to be married in the newly constructed Presbyterian Church in Beacon. She is survived by her husband, Gordon, and son, Bruce G. Kenney and his wife, Rachel, of Bozeman, Montana; three grandchildren, Rebecca L. Hassinger of Albany, NY, Thomas M. Hassinger and his wife, Gigi, of Kerville, TX, and Thomas R. Lawlor and his wife, Migi, of Japan; two great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces, and nephews, many dear friends and a beloved Church family. She was predeceased by a daughter, Katharine Kenney Hassinger, in 1992 and a son, Richard Paul Kenney, in 2003; two sisters, Teresa Holmes and Thelma Holder. Esther was a 1942 graduate of Beacon High School and then graduated from Krissler Business Institute. She worked for W.T. Grant Co., the Federal Government at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY and VA Medical Center, Castle Point, NY and retired in 1984 from there. She also was an Assistant Teacher at the Tioronda Nursery School. Esther was active in singing, belonging to the Presbyterian Chancel Choir; a charter member of southern Dutchess Singers; the Newburgh Choral Society; and sang frequently with the presentation of "Messiah" at West Point. Esther has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Beacon, since 1937. She was ordained as both a Deacon and Elder and served as Moderator for the Board of Deacons and many years as Clerk of Session. She was a member of the Women's Association and the First Friday Club. Throughout her life, other memberships, included James V. Forrestal PTA, serving in various capacities including President; Forrestal School Cub Scouts Board and as Den Mother; Beacon School Advisory Board; Mid-Hudson Valley Gem and Mineral Club; Clan Mac Pherson Association; Beacon Senior Exercise Group and the Howland Library's "Knit Together" group. She knitted sweaters for "Guidepost's Knit for Kids". She was awarded a Life membership of the NY State Congress of Parents and Teachers. Friends will be received at the Libby Funeral Home, Inc. 55 Teller Avenue, Beacon on Friday September 14, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Services will be conducted at the First Presbyterian Church 50 Liberty Street, Beacon on Saturday, September 15, at 11:00 am. Inurnment at Cold Spring Cemetery will be private and at the convenience of the family. Donations in her memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church where monies will be joined with the Hassinger-Kenney memorial Fund to assist Church School children to attend Church camp. To leave a condolence online, or for directions please visit www.libbyfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the directions of Libby Funeral Funeral Home, Inc. 55 Teller Ave. Beacon, NY 12508 845-831-0179 Date Of Service Friday September 14, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm Location Of Service Libby Funeral Home, Inc.