Obituary of Frances M Nassel

Amsterdam Frances M. Nassel, 97, of McClellan Avenue, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Amsterdam February 21, 1912 a daughter of the late Herbert and Louise Ahnert Mildern. Mrs. Nassel was a life resident of the area and was a graduate of Broadalbin High School in 1928. She then attended the University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital in the B.S.R.N. program from 1929 to 1932. She also received a B.S. in Education from the State University of New York at Oneonta in 1958 and an M.S. in Education from Union College in 1964. She had permanent certification from New York State to teach Health for Kindergarten through Grade 12. She taught Elementary grades in Cranesville and Amsterdam School Districts for twenty years, retiring in 1975. Mrs. Nassel was an EMT for fifteen years and volunteered for G.A.V.A.C. and the Galway Ambulance Corps and was also a New York State Licensed Practical Nurse. She was Chairman of the Montgomery County Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors and as a Red Cross Instructor Trainer, she taught many courses in CPR, First Aid and Vital Signs. She also assisted in teaching in EMT classes in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Fulton and Montgomery Counties. Mrs. Nassel was a member of Trinity Reformed Church for 60 years and was a member of the Trinity Guild, a Primary Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, and was a Director of the Junior Choir for nine years. When the church closed, she joined the United Presbyterian Church. She was a 50 year member of Art-Wel Chapter 208 Order of the Eastern Star, a 60 year member of Perthshire Grange, a past President of the Oneonta Alumni Association, a member of the Amsterdam Retired Teachers Association, a 25 year member of G.A.V.A.C. , and received life membership in the Amsterdam PTA. Mrs. Nassel was honored as Woman of the Year in 1985 by the Business and Professional Women's Association. She was also a member of the local Girl Scout Council and was a Scout Leader for 20 years who received Scouting's highest honor, the Thanks Badge, in 1949. She was married July 15, 1932 to F. Norbert Nassel who predeceased her on October 7, 1991. Her loving family includes her son, Norbert D. Nassel of Loudonville, her daughters, Barbara Furman of Glen, Evelyn Kruger and her husband Carl of Hagaman and Linda Rymaruk and her husband, Ihor of Amsterdam, and one sister, Janet Gray and her husband, Bruce of Durham, NC. Fifteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren also survive. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Nassel was predeceased by three brothers, Alford, Herbert and Richard Mildern and two sisters, Caroline Smith and Ruth Armitage. Funeral Services will be at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY with Rev. Bonnie M. Orth, officiating. Interment will follow in Perth Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends Friday Today from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the funeral home. Contributions in Mrs. Nassel's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.