Ida Besdesky

Ida Besdesky of Clifton Park, NY, formerly of Ellenville, NY, died peacefully Saturday, March 7, 2009, at Schulyer Ridge Health Care Facility, Clifton Park, NY. She was 91. Ida was born on January 8, 1918 in Accord, NY, the daughter of the late Abraham and Dora (Holtzman) Besdesky. Ida was a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and Teachers College Columbia University. She retired after over forty years as an English Teacher, Coordinator of English, and K-12 Supervisor of Language Arts from the Ellenville Central School. Ida and her family were the proprietors of the summer resort Pine Hill Hotel, Route 209, Accord, NY until its sale in 1972. Ida is survived by her brother, Martin Besdesky, of Walden, NY; nieces Edith Broers and husband Alan of Clifton Park, NY; Linda Goldfarb and husband Peter of West Hartford, CT; Susan Day of Denver, CO; Janet Gerstenhaber and husband Mark of Accord, NY; nephews Robert Besdesky of Woodland Hills, CA and David Besdesky and wife Michelle of Kagel Canyon, CA. Great-nieces and great-nephews Daniel Goldfarb of West Hartford, CT; Joshua Goldfarb of West Hartford, CT; Andrew Day of New York, NY; Casey Day of Breckenridge, CT; Stacey Broers of Gansevoort, NY; David Broers of Saratoga Springs, NY; Deena Gerstenhaber of Accord, NY; and Todd Gerstenhaber of Accord, NY. She had two great-grandnieces and two great-grand nephews. Two sisters, Freida Lang and Esther Hartman died previously. Ida most enjoyed time with family whether it was just a telephone call, a casual meal, an extended visit, a graduation, or any other event. The accomplishments of any family member brought her great happiness and pride, no matter how big or small the accomplishment. She wanted good things for those that meant the most to her and wanted to know and share in those things. She is loved dearly and remembered as a devoted sister, wonderful aunt, and adoring great-aunt. Education was Ida's passion. She was a dedicated student and educator. Her academic ability was recognized by her induction into Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society at Teachers College, Columbia University and Phi Delta Kappa. She completed all her course work there for her PhD. She was a panelist at NYS English Council Conferences, later serving as the Chairman of the Seventieth Annual Conference. She was a member of the NYS Academic Regents Council and was appointed to the Regents Academic Questions Committee. She served as chairman of the Ulster County Teachers Association. The NYS Education Department selected her to read Regents Scholarship papers NYS high school seniors submitted to qualify for State Regents Scholarships. Ida was fluent in five languages: English, Yiddish, Hebrew, French and Latin. Ida never forgot a name or a face, students could return years after graduating and she would remember their names, what classes they took with her and how they were as students. Ida was proud of her profession, her family and the reputation she acquired during her career. Ida cherished the remembrances of her many friends, students and colleagues. The funeral will be on Wednesday, March 11, at 1:30 PM, at the Simpson Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY. Interment will be at the Kerhonkson Jewish Cemetery. Rabbi Frank of Congregation Ezrath Israel will officiate. The family would like to establish a scholarship in her name for an Ellenville graduate who has been accepted in a college program with the intent of becoming an educator. Contributions should be sent to the Ida Besdesky Scholarship Fund, Ellenville Central School, 28 Maple Avenue, Ellenville, NY 12428. Donations can also be made in her name to the Schuyler Ridge Health Care Facility, 1 Abele Blvd., Clifton Park, NY, 12065