Obituary of Islay A Townsend

Mrs. Islay Townsend, 93, of Utica passed away on Wednesday, June 19 2019 with her loving family by her side.

Islay was born on November 7, 1925 to the late Raymond J. and Ruth Goodman Hohs of Amsterdam. She attended local schools including Wilbur H. Lynch High School graduating in the class of 1943 and the Amsterdam School of Commerce from 1943 to 1944 after which she began her employment as Payroll Clerk at Amsterdam Textiles, leaving in 1948 to begin her life as a wife and mother. In 1960 she reentered the workforce in the Food Service and Business Office at Perth Central School until 1970 when she began her career as a Clerk for the New York State Police, retiring on November 25, 1987.

Islay was an active member of the Amsterdam United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church Prayer Train, as well as a member of the local Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed traveling, reading, puzzles, and spending time with her granddaughters who were the loves of her life. For the last 10 years she was a resident of the Masonic Care Community in Utica where she made several more friends and enjoyed her final years in a very warm and friendly community.

Ms. Islay Hohs was united in marriage to Hubert C. Townsend on April 27, 1947 at Amsterdam United Methodist. They remained lovingly married until his passing in 1974.

In addition to her husband Islay was preceded in death by her son Charles L. Townsend who passed away in 1963, as well as her brother Robert G. Hohs and sister Audna Mihan.

Islay is survived by her son Robert L. Townsend and his wife Margaret M. Ostowski Townsend of Amsterdam, two granddaughters; Jackie Townsend of Amsterdam and Sarah J. Townsend Kelbel, her husband John Kelbel of Little Elm, Texas, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Islay was known for her warm smile and ability to make people laugh and brighten their day. She will be greatly missed.

A Service of Remembrance will take place on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 11a.m. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam NY 12010 with Pastor Judith L. Humphrey-Fox officiating. Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery follow services. Calling hours will take place the evening prior from 4p.m. to 7p.m. at Betz Rossi and Bellinger. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Masonic Care Community at Masonic Care Community Business Office Attn: Karen McNamara 2150 Bleecker St Utica, NY 13501.