Obituaries 11/5/2018
Ellen Armstrong Kanarek
Ellen Armstrong Kanarek, 69, of Princeton, NJ, died from complications of pneumonia on Thanksgiving night, November 22, 2018 at Princeton Medical Center.
Ellen was born in Princeton on March 24, 1949, and was a longtime resident. She was a 1966 graduate of Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, PA, where she excelled academically, teaching herself Greek as an independent study, and was a leader in the highly-regarded GFS traveling choir. During her years in Philadelphia, she was an active participant in the youth group at her father’s church, the Oak Lane Presbyterian Church.
At Wellesley College, Ellen majored in French, minored in German, and was named a Durant Scholar, graduating with honors in 1970. She received her PhD in Education, specializing in Institutional Research, at the University of Michigan in 1978, where she was a professional monograph editor and statistics consultant, and was recognized with the Burke Aaron Hinsdale Scholar award by a formal vote of the faculty, for “unusual academic proficiency and high professional ideals.” She was also active as a performer in the drama program, especially Gilbert & Sullivan musicals, and sang in the choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor.
Between college and graduate school, Ellen served as Registrar, and then Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Students, at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, where she also sang in one of their choirs. Later, she became the alto soloist at Trinity Episcopal Church and then All Saints’ Episcopal Church, both in Princeton. Most recently, Ellen was a member of Trinity United Church of Warren, NJ, where she directed the Bell Choir and was a leader in many other church activities.
Ellen began working as a Research Analyst at Rutgers University shortly before completing her PhD thesis. Later, as the proud parent of three Rutgers Honors Program graduates, she remained an enthusiastic RU sports fan, especially of the Rutgers Women’s Basketball team.
In 1989, Ellen accepted a position at Applied Educational Research, Inc. (AER) in Princeton, advanced to Vice President in 1995, and continued in that role to the present, leading institutional research projects for secondary school systems, colleges, and universities nationwide. Her best known annual research project in the higher education community was the Admitted Students Questionnaire (ASQ) on behalf of the College Board, to which hundreds of colleges and universities subscribed, where she polled tens of thousands of students to explore the reasons why they selected their college to attend.
Ever a volunteer, Ellen was committed to giving back to her profession. She joined the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), in 1986. It was quickly evident that Ellen was a future-focused, passionate, and fully engaged member, heavily involved in coordinating the AIR Forum which is the world’s largest gathering of higher education professionals working in institutional research, assessment, and planning. Ellen was a frequent facilitator, track chair, convener, presenter, and author, led member outreach efforts, and was Chair of the millennium Forum conference in 1999-2000. Ellen also was very active in the regional North East Association for Institutional Research (NEAIR) where she served as President.
Ellen was a woman of many remarkable talents, whose countless accomplishments included the annual baking project she and her family loved to do together and with friends each holiday season, to the gastronomical delight of dozens of friends, family, and colleagues. Each year, the “Kanarek Cookie Factory” baked, individually packaged, and delivered as many as a thousand dozen cookies at Christmas, of many varieties. The label of every package read, “There is no such thing as too many cookies.”
Music infused every aspect of Ellen’s life, as a professional singer and with her children. She was actively engaged with the American Boychoir School (ABS) in Princeton, where she served as a parent volunteer in many capacities while two of her sons attended and her third son served in administrative and teaching positions. Two of her favorite projects that she led for the ABS students were staged Shakespeare readings, and tournament bridge instruction. Through her work with the Development Office, Ellen’s projects raised over $250,000 for ABS. She also served on parent committees for the music and drama programs of Franklin High School in Somerset, NJ, where all three sons attended.
Ellen loved bringing her family and friends together. She and her husband Mike were gracious and generous hosts throughout the year, welcoming guests from all over the world into their home, especially during the holiday seasons when all 12 Kanareks came home to stay.
Ellen was a talented performer, who excelled as a pianist, singer, and sight reader. She was a Life Master bridge player, and loved playing in tournaments with her family. She was a professional researcher at work, and a nonprofit volunteer and fundraiser for schools, churches, and music organizations at home. Ellen was a voracious reader, particularly of mysteries and fantasy novels; a highly knowledgeable sports fan, especially of her grandfather’s and father’s team the Baltimore Orioles; and most of all, a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother.
Throughout her life, Ellen brought a keen sense of humor and boundless mental energy to every task. In later years her physical energy was slowed by adult onset Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a progressive genetic condition of neuropathy leading to muscular atrophy, and then by a lung condition that led to her pneumonia. Her many accomplishments were in spite of the fact that for the last 15 years of her life she had decreasing strength in her extremities due to the effects of CMT and often needed a wheelchair, a weakness later compounded by failing lungs. Nevertheless, her courage, bravery, and determination to continue her many projects were a source of inspiration to her family and friends.
Ellen will be especially missed by her husband, children, and grandchildren, who were the great joy of her life. She will be remembered for her strong, clear, vibrant contralto voice; her full rich liquid laugh; her generous spirit; her sparkling eyes; her enormous heart; her commitment to service; as a quick-quipper; baker par excellence; and the level-headed lady who always put others first. Brilliant, strong, verbal, passionate about life, loved children, knew how to commit, humorous, musical: she was worth knowing for a lifetime.
Predeceased by her mother, Margaret Childs Armstrong, and brother, Richard Stoll Armstrong, Jr., Ellen is survived by her father, the Rev. Dr. Richard Stoll Armstrong; husband Michael Allan Kanarek; her son Derek Decker Kanarek, his wife Rebecca Shell Kanarek, and their children Charlie, Will, and Elliott; her son Dr. Graham Childs “Gray” Kanarek, his wife Marnie Kanarek, and their children Gabriel and Julian; her son Orion Fire “Ryan” Kanarek; her siblings Andrew Childs Armstrong and his wife Caroline Armstrong, William Harwood “Woody” Armstrong and his wife Christine Armstrong, and the Rev. Elsie Armstrong Rhodes and her husband Thomas Rhodes; and a large extended family of loving nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Arrangements are at the direction of the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton. Burial will be private. A glorious memorial service including some of Ellen’s favorite choral music will be held at All Saints’ Church, 16 All Saints’ Road, Princeton NJ 08540, on Saturday December 29, 2018 at 2 p.m. It is a celebration of Ellen’s life rather than a funeral; black is not required; Ellen’s favorite color was blue; business casual dress. The service will also be live-streamed via the free GoToMeeting app on https://www.gotomeet.me/TrinityUnited and on Facebook; visit the Trinity United Church page at https://www.facebook.com/TUCNJ/ for more Facebook streaming instructions to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ellen’s memory to some of her favorite causes that she supported: Trinity United Church in Warren, NJ (www.trinityunitedchurch.org), Heifer International (www.heifer.org), the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (www.cmtausa.org), or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).
———
Newell Bertram Woodworth Jr.
Newell Bertram Woodworth Jr., 95, passed away peacefully on November 23 at his home in Princeton, surrounded by his loving family. Newell was born on June 14, 1923, the first son and third child to Lois and Newell Bertram Woodworth in Syracuse, New York. His father was a lawyer active in the civic affairs of the city and former President General of the Sons of the American Revolution. He died of pneumonia one year after Newell was born.
Growing up in Cazenovia, New York, Newell graduated from high school in 1941, receiving the sportsmanship award for his class at graduation. He attended the University of Virginia before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He graduated from flight school in the class 44D and received the top pilot award in the graduation exercises for the 205 pilots who received their wings. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he was sent to the 9th Air Force, 19th Tactical Command in Europe and flew close support missions for the ground forces, including support for George Patton’s 4th Armored Division, in a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter-bomber. He flew 80 sorties and 44 missions, became the Squadron Operations officer, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. He completed his service on August 9, 1946 as a Captain.
Newell returned to civilian life and began a 42-year career in the textile industry, holding successive senior executive positions with Deering Milliken (25 years), Dixie Yarns, and Dan River, retiring in 1988. During his career, he served on the Boards of New York Board of Trade, Textile Division, the United Way of Greater Mercer County, Princeton Day School, Pretty Brook Tennis Club, and the Richardson Corporation. He was also a member of the Union League Club of New York and the Springdale Golf Club.
Married in 1950, Newell and Enid led very active lives in Princeton. He was an avid sailor, golfer, and racquets player. When his children were growing up, Newell taught his family how to sail. They spent weekends and summer vacations aboard their sailboat, Brabant, exploring the New England coastline. He was as at home on the water as he was in the backyard playing catch or golfing with his children and grandchildren.
Newell is remembered warmly for his remarkable vigor, his infectious smile, his outgoing personality, and his effusive good spirits. He was thoroughly engaged with the lives of those that mattered to him – supporting with a nod, a pat on the back, a “that’s just marvelous.” When asked his advice for a long, happy life he advised,” learn to play golf” and “don’t worry about things you can’t control.”
Newell, a longtime resident of Princeton, New Jersey, was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Enid (Richardson), and his two sisters, as well as his sister and brother from his mother’s second marriage. He is survived by his dear friend Dede Webster and his four children — Pam, Buzz (Newell B. III), Sarah, and Sam and their families, including 12 grandchildren.
At Newell’s request, memorial arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be sent to the Princeton Friends School, 470 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 or Princeton Day School, 650 Great Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.
———
Juris Apse
Juris Apse passed away on November 15, 2018, very peacefully, and in his sleep. He died of kidney failure at a Portland, Maine area hospice where he was surrounded by his three children and lifelong friend Karen in his final days.
Juris was born July 10, 1945 at a Displaced Persons camp in the British sector of Allied-occupied Germany, after his parents Arvids and Gaida Apse fled Latvia with his older siblings during World War II. The family left Germany in 1951 and Juris spent his early years in Rochdale, Lancashire, UK. At the age of 13, Juris, his parents, and his four siblings moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Juris quickly proved himself a remarkable student, graduating from high school at the age of 16 and enrolling in the University of Toronto. Juris began a lifelong love of chemistry at University, which led to him pursue a doctorate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in chemical engineering. While at MIT, Juris became a standout scorer for the MIT Rugby Club, finding a passion for sports that stuck with him through life.
At a bar in Cambridge, Juris was quick to notice Astrida Strazdins wearing a traditional Latvian ring, who was equally intrigued to see him wearing one, too. Astrida was teaching in Boston, and upon completion of his PhD, Juris and Astrida were married at the MIT Chapel and moved to Princeton, New Jersey. Juris took a research and development position at Union Carbide (and eventually Dow Chemical), where he had a long and successful career. In Princeton, Juris and Astrida had three children and raised them in a wonderful environment where education was as prized by the community as it was by them. After retirement, Juris’ last decade was spent in Brunswick, Maine, where he volunteered for the Curtis Memorial Library, served on the Restoration Advisory Board for the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, and volunteered as an AARP tax preparer for those in need. He was also an avid student at the Midcoast Senior College.
Juris was accepting of his death and in his last days he spoke with gratitude about his full and fortunate life. He was extremely proud of his three children and the lives they have built. He, and his recently deceased wife Astrida, benefited greatly from living their last decade in New England among their children and spouses including Colin (Rachelle), Kira (Jeremy), and Stefan (Leigh) as well as grandchildren Margot, Tobin, Graeme, Mara, and Miles.
The family will celebrate Juris’ life in a private ceremony. Memorial donations in memory of Juris may be made to Curtis Memorial Library (http://www.curtislibrary.com/annual-fund/) or Midcoast Senior College (https://midcoastseniorcollege.org/donation-form/). Arrangements were by Stetson’s Funeral Home 12 Federal Street, Brunswick, ME 04011, where memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.
———
Martha L. “Lewie” Kingsford
Martha L. “Lewie” Kingsford, 91, of Skillman passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Baltimore, MD, she was a resident of Princeton since 1976. Lewie was very active in the Princeton community, she played tennis at Pretty Brook Tennis Club, golf at Springdale Golf Club, was in reading and bridge groups, loved to travel, and enjoyed attending the New York opera, ballet, and symphony.
Predeceased by her parents Frederick W. and Martha I. (Isaacs) Lewis, Sr.; and her husband Irving B. Kingsford, Jr.; she is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law Anne B. and Robert G. Freestone, Elizabeth B. and Charles P. Lucy, and Eleanor (Shotsie) and Steven I. Wilson; and her brother Frederick W. Lewis, Jr.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 11 a.m. at All Saints’ Church, 16 All Saints Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, followed by a reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Watershed Institution at www.thewatershed.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.
———
Micky Morgan
Micky Morgan, 69, of Princeton, passed away at her home on November 25, 2018. She will be mourned by her many friends in the Princeton area and beyond, and by her devoted partner, Len Swanson. She was known by all whose lives she touched to be caring, loving, and compassionate.
Micky was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She came east in the late 1970s and has lived in Princeton for the last 40 years. Her career was spent in entrepreneurial activities and in business development for high-tech companies.
In her free time, she was an avid gardener and enthusiastic traveler.
At her request, Micky will be buried privately at the Princeton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make a contribution in her name to the charity of their choice.
Extend condolences and share remembrances at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.
———
Audrey D. Mason
Audrey D. Mason, 82, of Lawrenceville passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at Brookdale Nursing Home of Hamilton, NJ.
Born and raised in Princeton, she was a resident of Lawrenceville for the last 45 years. She worked for about 10 years at Princeton Bank and Trust, worked at Princeton Savings and Loan, and other various local banks, and retired from Princeton Hospital. She was a member of St. Paul’s Church, Princeton.
Predeceased by her parents Alfred Baker and Carrie (Mullen) Mason; her brother Alfred; and her sisters Anita Barbara and Sarah Ann; she is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Carol Mason and John Perego; her aunt Donna Mason; her special niece Michelle Wallace and nephew Jonathan Perego; and many other nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. Burial was in Rocky Hill Cemetery.