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SOMERS, N.Y. – Jean E. Reidy, of Somers, died Monday, Feb. 8. She was 96.
She was born and raised in Manhattan College and is a graduate of Hunter College. She earned her master’s degree in English literature from Columbia University, class of 1940. She went on to teach for nearly 40 years in the Katonah and Somers school systems, including 22 years as the librarian at Somers Primrose Elementary. She dedicated her life to children and reading. At Primrose, and for decades after her retirement, she conducted story hours, inspiring many generations of children to read and appreciate literature.
Last October, the Somers Library Foundation honored her for her role in spearheading the building of the Somers Library at Reese Park and her services as a library trustee for over 50 years. The Children's Room at the library is named in her honor.
She was also an active member of other organizations and received numerous awards, including Westchester County Citizen of the Year and the Westchester Library System's Service Award.
She is survived by her husband, Robert; her son Daniel (Krista) of St. Helena, Calif.; two grandchildren, Danny and Alana; and her brother Robert McClellan of Shelburne, Vt.
Family will receive friends Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah. A service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Katonah, 31 Bedford Road, with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Somers Library Foundation, PO Box 443, Somers, NY 10589.
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