Obituary of Jean E. Reidy

Reidy, Jean E., 96 of Somers, NY died peacefully in her home on February 8, 2016. Jean was born and raised in Manhattan and is a graduate of Hunter College and earned her Masters Degree in English literature from Columbia University (class of 1940). She went on to teach for nearly 40 years in the Katonah and Somers school systems, including 22 years as the librarian at Somers Primrose Elementary. Jean dedicated her life to children and reading. At Primrose, and for decades after her retirement, Jean conducted “story hours” inspiring many generations of children to read and appreciate literature. Last October, the Somers Library Foundation honored Jean for her role in spearheading the building of the Somers library at Reis Park and her services as a library trustee for over 50 years. The Children’s Room at the library is named in her honor. Jean was also an active member of other organizations, receiving numerous awards, including Westchester County Citizen of the Year and the Westchester Library System’s Service Award. Jean is survived by her husband Robert, her son Daniel (Krista) of St. Helena CA, two grandchildren, Danny and Alana, and her brother Robert McClellan of Shelburne, Vermont. Family will receive friends at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah on Friday February 12, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. A service will be held at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Katonah, 31 Bedford Road with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Somers Library Foundation PO Box 443, Somers, NY 10589.