Elsie S. Herendeen

Herendeen, Elsie S.

Elsie Herendeen was born June 1, 1924. At day break on Friday, November 24, 2017, our mother’s trail on this earth came to an end.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Elsie Smith; her husband, Robert Wood Herendeen; brother, Ernest Smith; her sister-in-law, Donna Smith; her brother-in-law, Warren Herendeen. She is survived by sons: Pete (Diane), David (Lucy), Philip (Debbie); grandchildren: Jean Davis (Joel), Robert, Fletcher, Grace and Olivia; brother, James Smith; nieces: Deborah, Nancy, Patti; nephews: Eric, Duncan and Michael; sister-in-law, Jean Ragsdale (Robert); great grandchildren, Molly and Hannah Davis.

Our mother was a kindergarten teacher until she and Dad started a family. Our earliest memories are of her reading to us. The emphasis in our home was on how important it was to be educated and work hard at meeting what challenges life sent our way. It was made known to us that it was important for her sons to stand on their own and make their own way through this life.

She was an active member at Bethany Presbyterian Church in our home town of Greece, NY. She greatly appreciated the fellowship of the parishioners at Trinity Presbyterian in Tucson, AZ during retirement.

Elsie took such pride in the accomplishments of her family members. She reveled in the news and stories of artistry of family members, and stories from the soldier, the healthcare workers, the pilots and our major media guy!

She could play a pretty good piano. We remember as children her playing Claude Debussey’s 1st Arabesque. She worked at it diligently and grew to play it with a fluid technique. As her hours became numbered, my brother held his IPhone to her ear and played a recording of it. He watched as her fingers moved across her blanket with the movements of a pianist across a key board, her feet moving as to press the piano’s pedals. I would bet that she wore a bit of a smile as well.

To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com

Daniels Family Funeral Services

3113 Carlisle Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87110

505-884-1188