Obituary of Leila Niessen

Leila B.Niessen, 78, a 55 yr resident of Dutchess County, passed away peacefully with family by her side, on Monday, November 10, 2014 at the Kaplan House in Newburgh, NY after a brave and couragous fight with cancer. Leila was born January 22, 1936 in Callicoon, NY. She was the daughter of late Percy and Carrie Neill Nearing. Leila graduated Narrowsburg HS and attended SUNY Oneonta. On Feburary 11, 1957 she married Fred Niessen at St Joachim Church in Beacon NY. Leila worked for several years as a nursery school teacher in Poughquag, Miron's Catalog Center as an assistant manager, IBM East Fishkill and Conklin MFG in Pleasant Valley until her retirement. Leila was very creative, showcasing her her talents in sewing, cake decorating, hand made greeting cards and many other crafty endeavors, but most important was her love for her family and friends. In addition to her loving husband Fred, she is survived by her daughters, Stephanie Lange and husband Ed of Poughkeepsie, Sandra Williams and her husband David of Highland, Susan Niessen of Pleasant Valley, Sharon Touhey and husband Patrick of AZ, and Sally Murphy and husband Dan of LaGrangeville. Grandchildren Brian Lange (Victoria Eveleth), Lauren Wengert (Christopher), Erin Lange (Dan Lombardo), Joseph Whalen II (Caitlin Finn), Sarah and Zachary Whalen, Adam, Joshua, Nicole and Jordan Touhey, Tyler, Logan, Jack and Kate Murphy. She is also survived by her sister Donna Vannatta of Glen Spey, brothers Ted Nearing (Barbara) of MD, and Eric Nearing of Bethel, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and her loving Shih Tzu Briscoe. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 4PM to 8PM at the Timothy Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. A mass of Christian Burial will be held 10AM Friday, November 14, 2014 at Holy Trinity Church, Poughkeepsie. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, Salt Point Tpk, Poughkeepsie, NY. If you would like to leave an online condolence, please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com. Donations in Leila's name can be made to The Kaplan Family Hospice Residence, 1 Sunrise Ln, Newburgh, NY 12550