Obituary of Ivy W. Blumenfeld

It is with a saddened heart that we announce the peaceful passing of the elegant, vibrant, and loving Ivy W. Blumenfeld, wife, mother, grandmother, artist, philanthropist, educator, and former Monticello resident on the 2nd day of January, 2017 in Key Largo, Florida at age 87. Ivy and her husband Marvin Blumenfeld were best known in Sullivan County during the 1960’s-70’s as the owners of the Hammond & Cooke department store and for the active role they played in the community. Her mother, the late Anna Weisman, also of Monticello, ran their stores at Kutsher’s Country Club and at Grossingers. Ivy was president of the Sullivan County Hospital Auxiliary, and contributed her time as a substitute teacher in the Monticello School System; she was an auxiliary nurse, Cub Scout Den Mother, and helped teenagers with intellectual disabilities when she wasn’t producing fundraising fashion shows. Moving to New York City, Ivy served on the Board of the National Council of Jewish Women for many years and used her degree in Nutrition to help run their food program for the homeless and soup kitchen. Ivy is a graduate of Sewanaka High School in Floral Park, NY and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Adelphi University where she was president of her Sophomore Class. She held a Masters Degree in Education from Hunter College in New York City specializing in Home Economics and Nutrition. She is survived by her loving husband Marvin, devoted sons Jeffry (Joan) of Boulder, CO., James (Patricia) of Needham, MA., Robert (Susan) of Mt. Kisco, NY., daughter Jane and fiancé Dr. Michael Berman in Key Largo, FL., and grandchildren: Julia, Jenna, Alexandra, Austin, Victoria, Cole and Westley. This world traveler and Jackie O lookalike was never happier than when painting, gardening, decorating, cooking, entertaining and nurturing her family and friends. For those who knew and loved her, she was a best friend, always ready with a smile and witty remark; her guiding spirit, joyful outlook on life and devotion to family will be missed deeply. Her mantra: “You should learn something new every day.” Services will be held on Thursday January 5th, 2017 at 11am at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome for the Ivy W. Blumenfeld Memorial Art Scholarship Fund for high school students via www.youcaring.com/IvyBlumenfeldScholarshipFund Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc. Monticello; to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.