Emma Purdy

Castleton-Purdy, Emma Mabel (Lee)

Emma Mabel (Lee) Purdy passed away peacefully at Riverside Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Castleton, New York on September 22, 2016 at the age of 96.

Emma was born on January 12, 1920 in Poughkeepsie, New York to the late Herbert and Mabel (Oakley) Lee. She married Emery Purdy on September 27th, 1936 and they began their life together in Poughkeepsie. While raising their three girls, Emma and Emery moved a number of times, first to Waycross, Georgia then back to New York, living in Kingston, East Kingston, and East Greenbush. They eventually retired to their camp in Saranac Lake, which was the last home that they shared together. After Emery passed away in February of 1989, Emma moved to Clifton Park to be closer to her family. She spent the last 4 years of her life at Riverside Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Castleton, New York. Emma felt at home while at Riverside and she participated in the many activities available to residents. She was very proud of her massive collection of stuffed animals that she won playing BINGO.

Emma loved crafting. She was known for making beautiful Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, which were always in high demand. People were fascinated by her fancy, decorative, holiday eggs and every baby she crossed paths with received one of her sweet crocheted baby blankets or sweater sets. She always had a project going and loved trying new crafts. She also had a passion for baking and her strawberry rhubarb jelly was a family favorite. Emma and Emery were dedicated members of the Lake Clear Presbyterian Church in Lake Clear, New York for many years. After relocating to Clifton Park, she was very involved with the Grace United Methodist Church and she adored the many friends she had there.

Emma is survived by her children, Janet Noeth and husband Rudolph of Nassau, Donna Tasso of Clifton Park, and Patricia Purdy of South Burlington, Vermont. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christian Noeth and wife Sarah, Mark Noeth and wife Marie, David Noeth and wife Amy, Robin Pajak and husband Kenneth, Vincent (VJ) Tasso and wife Barbara, Tammy Chambers, Kathleen Oliver and husband Edward (Billy), Todd Noeth and partner Mary Ellen Buell, Rebecca Tiley and husband Daniel, Erin Sue Carroll and wife Nathalie Primeau; as well as her sixteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, brother Harry and wife Nancy and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Emery Purdy; her siblings James Lee, Charles Lee, Catherine Sheeley, Dorothy Lee and Virginia Carpino; and her Riverside roommate Blanche who was her best friend and partner in crime for the last few years of her life.

Funeral service from the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home 11 Elm St. Nassau on Sunday, September 25th, 2016 at 5:00pm with Pastor Edward Van Kampen presiding, all are welcome to attend and celebrate Emma's life. Relatives and friends may call prior to the service from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. The family would like to thank Emma's caregivers at Riverside Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in support of breast cancer research at www.komen.org. Online condolences may be offered at Mooneyfuneralhome.com