Molly Sheren

Molly Sheren, 84, passed away Thursday, December 6th at her home on Upper Saranac Lake. Born on December 29, 1927 in Montreal, Quebec, she was the daughter of Meir and Rose Speevak. Molly grew up in Montreal and received her bachelor's degree in science from McGill University in 1950. On ******* she married Alan Sheren and made their home on Staten Island. Molly taught Physical Education. She retired assistant principal and chairman of the Health and Physical Education Dept. of a 5,000-student New York City high school. Alan and Molly retired in 1978 and moved to the Adirondacks. Molly's retirement from teaching allowed her to be involved in the arts that she loved. She worked at the Lake Placid Center of Music Drama and Art as a performer and a costumer. She also served on the first state Council of the Arts Re-Granting Committee for Franklin County (a pilot project). With Mary Mercurio and Muriel Ginsberg, she founded Tupper Lake Presents, serving on the board of this multipurpose arts organization.

Molly is a weaver who works on a Dobby loom, which interfaces with her computer. She taught weaving and embroidery for several years in a Saranac Lake children's summer program run by Sister Caroline Madden. She also worked for six years as a textile conservator on contract for the Adirondack Museum.

Molly's work on the restoration of Historic Beth Joseph Synagogue in Tupper Lake contributed to the winning of awards through the state Historic Preservation, Adirondack Architectural Heritage and Traditional Arts in Upstate New York.

Molly also helped organized the successful effort to bring a local dial-up for the Internet to the Tri-Lakes area. She served on the planning board and later the variance board of the town of Santa Clara.

Because of her science background, Molly was involved in several area science projects. She served on the Board of the Health System Agency of Northeastern NY, representing the Adirondack Medical Center. She has been involved with the Upper Saranac Lake Association, where she served for a quarter century on the environment committee and six years as treasurer on the executive committee.

Molly enjoys yachting. She used to own a 35-foot trunk cabin cruiser when she lived on Staten Island. She earned a full ticket with the U.S. Power Squadron, taught advanced piloting at Sailor's Snug Harbor, became one of the first New York state Young Boatman's Safety Course instructors (No. A21); and was a Title III Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) federal grant recipient. Molly loves nature and the Adirondacks. Both she and Alan are 46ers and enjoy walking, boating snowshoeing and skiing in the woods. She is survived by her husband Alan of Upper Saranac Lake, son Lorne of New Vernon, NJ., 6 grandchildren; Matthew, Allison, Meredith, Tyler, JD and Piper and several nieces and nephews. Molly was pre-deceased by her parents and one brother Robert Speevak. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2pm, Friday December 14th at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home in Tupper Lake. A more formal service will take place in the spring, date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Saranac Lake Foundation in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.