Obituary of Ann Lee Clough

Ann Lee Clough, 87, of Gloversville, passed away on October 27, 2023, at Nathan Littauer Hospital Nursing Home.

She was born March 16, 1936, in Gloversville, the daughter of Edward and Doris (Zimmer) Vonderahe, and graduated from Gloversville High School in 1954. She received an RN from the nursing school at the University of Rochester. While there, she met her future husband, David V. Clough who was in Medical School.  Ann Lee fell quickly for Dave’s baritone voice and kind nature.  They were married on December 23, 1957.  After Medical School, they briefly lived in Salt Lake City, where David completed his internship; then Denver, Colorado, where their first two sons, Edward and Matthew were born.  Next was Bangor, Maine, but the pull of family and home was strong, so the young couple moved back to Gloversville and bought a house on Kingsboro Ave, where David set up his Family Medical practice in an office at the house.  Here their daughters were born – Sarah, Jean, and Martha.

The family later moved to North Park Drive and resided there for 50 years. In her later years, Ann Lee often recounted how a family friend, upon seeing the smaller house, said, “My God, what a dump!.”   With vision and many renovations, that dump became a beautiful home and a warm, welcoming center for decades of fun, music, community, gardening, friend and family gatherings.  

Ann Lee, a gifted musician, began playing piano as an accompanist in churches in her teen years. She was the music director at the First Congregational United Church of Christ for many years. She played the organ and piano, directed the Senior choir, Junior choir and Handbell choir.  She also nurtured the musical interests of parishoners by encouraging them to share their talent during worship services.  Ann Lee accompanied several GHS, Colonial Little Theater and St. John’s Episcopal Church musical productions. The whole family loved to sing and play music together both in church and at family gatherings.

A lover of learning, Ann Lee was proud to earn an associates degree in her late 30’s from FMCC.  She also worked as a nurse at Planned Parenthood and worked with gifted and at-risk youth at McNab School. Ann Lee was very involved with the United Church of Christ, traveling around NYS to assist churches in financial management.  Ann Lee had a discerning clear-headedness and strength of character that made her a natural leader and organizer.

Ann Lee put her gifts to use in improving her community.  With others, she helped start the Family Counseling Center and served on the Board of Directors in every role for 25 years.   She was a Gloversville school board member and was active with the Friends of the Gloversville Free Library.  For almost 30 years, Ann Lee was the Chair of the Fulton County Art Show, showcasing our county’s artists and fostering art appreciation.  She received the Liberty Bell award from the bar association to recognize her many contributions to our community.  She cared deeply about civil rights, equality and justice.  She was a generous supporter of many local, national and international charitable organizations.

Ann Lee was great at games and was willing to play anything with anyone! She especially loved to play scrabble, backgammon, bridge and golf.  She was an active hiker and camper with family and friends– yearly trips to Heart Lake in Lake Placid, NY were some of her favorite times. 

Ann Lee will be remembered as an amazing force of nature. She was a terrific listener and her counsel was sought-after. She was spirited, kind, funny and interested in others. Her enthusiasm and talent for leading others in music has given many of those in her sphere joy and connection. Her bright light will be missed by all who felt its radiance.

Ann Lee is survived by five children, Ed Clough, Matt Clough (Darcy), Sarah Davila, Jean Clough and Martha Sweet (Jason); a brother, Bert Vonderahe; four grandchildren, Mattie Clough, Zakariah Davila, Max Barker and Ava Barker; two nephews, Charles Vonderahe (Hailey) and William Vonderahe.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Dr. David V. Clough; and a nephew, Henry Vonderahe.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 pm to 4pm on December 2^nd at First Congregational United Church of Christ, where a Celebration of Life will follow at 4pm.

Memorial contributions of money or time may be made in lieu of flowers to the Friends of Gloversville Free Library, Family Counseling Center, First Congregational United Church of Christ or any charity to which your heart is drawn.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, Gloversville. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com

Zoom Meeting :

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88437817549?pwd=A7ZQ4jI283tLSihHzMwwiBi2ctqk4s.1

Meeting ID: 884 3781 7549
Passcode: 792489

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