SARATOGA SPRINGS – Lois Ann Nitchman Vessels of Saratoga Springs and West Chatham, Mass, died peacefully at home on Jan. 1, 2016. She was 87.
Born in Schenectady on Aug. 16, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Alvin F. Nitchman and Dorothy Woodin Nitchman and grew up on Waverly Place.
She went to Brown School and Nott Terrace High School, and was a graduate of Principia College in Elsah, IL., where she met fellow biology student Robert Vessels, the love of her life. After three years of campus courtship, they were married in 1949. As newlyweds, they bought and renovated an old farmhouse on Van Buren Road in Glenville, where they raised a family and she cultivated a garden much admired by passers-by. She was active in various clubs and organizations including PEO, Queen’s Fort, Book Club, Junior League, Gardeners’ Workshop and Garden Club of Schenectady.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Eric Vessels, in 1974. Survivors include her husband, Robert; her daughter, Heather Cushing; her son-in-law, Michael Cushing; her grandchildren, Rebecca Cushing of Pittsfield, Mass., and Andrew Cushing, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; two cousins; a godchild; and many longtime friends.
Lois was a lifelong member, with her husband, of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. She was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother who would want those who miss her to do something they love in her memory.
There will be a private service. Burial will be in the family plot in Park View Cemetery, Schenectady.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund (www.worldwildlife.org) or to an environmental organization of one’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).
