Kathleen H Avery

Kathleen H. Avery, 82, of Orange City, FL died peacefully on October 3rd, 2015 after enduring a 16 year struggle with Alzheimer’s. Kathleen had just recently attended to the passing of her husband of 60 years. They had shared a home in Orange City, FL till the end. Kathleen is survived by her four children, Joseph H. Avery and wife Linda of Deland, FL; Kathy A. Avery of Copake, NY. And also William E. Avery, Jr. and his wife Wendy, of Millerton, NY and Robert E. Avery and his wife Elisabeth of Wassaic, NY. Her 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

On an early Spring day in March, Leona and Harold Hillriegel brought Kathleen Ruth Hillriegel in to this world. It was a wonderful time. Kathleen, aka, “Sis”, was the first of nine children. She led the way for her four brothers and four sisters. Growing up on a diary farm provided many learning opportunities. And of course, lots of work. Kathleen loved helping others and made sure that her siblings got their school work done. She was a good student and graduated from Margaretville High School, Valedictorian of her class.

One day, while attending a party at a schoolgirl’s house, Kathleen met Bill Avery; A young man that was working at the farm. Their hearts were fused and time marched on but Kathleen knew that Bill would be “Mr. Right”.

Bill entered the Service and soon shipped off to Okinawa. Kathleen went on to college at Oneonta State and graduated with honors. Through their letters, their hearts grew closer and after Bill was transferred to Maine, they married. Kathleen taught school in Maine. After bill’s enlistment, he stayed in Maine and worked at a Western Auto store. They worked hard to provide for themselves and looked to do better. Bill was offered a franchise in a store in Millerton, NY. It sounded profitable and put them only 90 miles away from where they grew up. The store was a lot of work. Bill ran the store and Kathleen taught school at Webutuck Central School. Along came their first child, a son, Joseph Harold Avery. Bill’s dad had passed on the months before. His mother came to stay with them and helped care for little Joe as mom was teaching and dad worked the store. Most days Edna, Bill’s mom, would come to the store and help. Kathleen continued to teach school and during that time had a daughter named Kathy Ann Avery. Bill and Kathleen bought their first house up on Winchell Mnt. It was an older two story farm house that had a big porch and a nice size lot. Kathleen and Bill grew a big garden and enjoyed the fruits of it with their neighbors. In 64’ Kathleen gave birth to twin boys, William Edward Avery Jr., and Robert Erik Avery. Bill sold the store and worked at Wassaic State School. First in the safety dept. and later in the social services dept., Bill stayed busy. Kathleen put teaching on hold after Bill and Bob were born. She dedicated all her time to making our house into a loving home. There were many wonderful visits from Kathleen’s younger siblings. Kathleen and Bill had a lovely family that knew how to have a good time. We enjoyed many camping trips and vacations to Florida. Kathleen and Bill were also involved with the local Baptist church, were Kathleen taught a Sunday school class and Bill was a Deacon. They found great joy in seeing their family grow physically and spiritually. After the twins started middle school, Kathleen found a teaching position at the State school were Bill was working. Kathleen retired from that job in 88’ and moved to Orange City, FL with Bill. They enjoyed the peaceful sunny days and mild weather. They continued to serve the Lord in a local church in Orange City. Most of their family remain to this day in NY, but their son Joe moved to FL the year before they did. He has been able to help them through the difficult times and he and his family in Deland have been blessed to have them so close. Kathleen at 82, has left behind, eight brothers and sisters, four children, three daughters in law, fourteen grand children and twenty six great grand children. Hundreds of students, and many more friends and neighbors that were forever blessed by her life.