Anne Pillmeier

Anne Pillmeier, age 88, of Saranac Lake, died Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at her residence on Lake Kiwassa, according to her wishes.

Born in Kingston, New York on December 9, 1934. She was the daughter of James and Estelle (House) Phelan.

Anne married Joseph Pillmeier on Saturday, July 11, 1959, in Kingston, NY.

Schools attended were St. Joseph’s School in Kingston, graduation was from Kingston High School in 1952 with a Regents diploma. After securing a Bachelor of Science in Education from Plattsburgh State University, Anne began her teaching career in earnest.

Anne’s fond teaching memories began with a 4th grade class in Guilderland School district, followed by teaching 1st grade in her hometown for the Kingston City School District. After relocating to the Hudson Valley, she taught 2nd grade at Goshen School District, then 3rd grade at Florida Union Free School District where she taught for the remainder of her career; a combined total of 41 years.

One of the highlights of her education service was as teacher’s representative in the Florida Teacher Association for ten years, holding the title of president for several of those years, until her retirement in 1996.

A favorite time of the year was Summer! School was out and she and her children could come to camp on Lake Kiwassa for the season where waterskiing was the activity of the day, along with hikes into the trails of the Adirondacks.

It was here she and her husband relocated. In Saranac Lake she was a member of the Women’s Scholarship Club and served faithfully each summer with the SL Library’s annual book drive.

Anne and her husband Joe were so fortunate to be able to spend their retirement years skiing at Alta, Utah for most of the winter; being sure to spend time early in the season at Whiteface with their close friends on the Ski Patrol.

They loved living in Saranac Lake and the people in it. She enjoyed hosting many gatherings on weekends in the summertime, and ‘legendary’ milestone parties at the Lake with family and friends in attendance.

Survivors are her husband Joseph (of 63 years!). Three sons Joseph (Patrice) Pillmeier of Florida, NY, James Pillmeier of Newburgh, NY, John Pillmeier of Los Angeles, CA, one daughter Joanne Pillmeier of Greenwood Lake, NY, one grandson Joseph Pillmeier of Florida, NY and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are three sisters Janet Phelan, Margaret Spirito, Mary Wood and one granddaughter Madeline Rose Pillmeier.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A mass of Christian Burial and celebration of life will take place at Church of the Assumption in Gabriels NY, the date to be announced later; a reception will follow.

Friends wishing to remember Anne Phelan Pillmeier may make memorial contributions to St. Bernard’s Church or St. Bernard’s School or in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.