Obituary of Elaine Avery

Elaine Avery, a retired secretary for the Monticello Central School District, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025 at her home in Monticello.  She was 75.

The daughter of the late Ralph VanValkenburg and Hallie Sackett Houghtaling, she was born November 30, 1949 in Liberty. After graduating from Tri-Valley High School she began her career as a secretary.  In 1969 she married the love of her life, Cornelius “Neil” Avery, who predeceased her on January 20, 2022.

Elaine was a longtime member of the Dutch Reformed Church in Claryville.  This is where she strengthened her faith and trust in God.  It was this deep faith that brought her through the tough times including the loss of her beloved husband.   In her retirement Elaine enjoyed reading, shopping and going for long rides in the countryside.  Her greatest joy, however, was spending time loving and watching her three beautiful granddaughters grow into amazing young ladies.

She is survived by two daughters: Connie Avery Cheng & her husband Anthony of Livingston Manor, and Kelly Avery Leszczynski of Monticello; three granddaughters: Ellaina, Halie and Marlee; two brothers: Ralph VanValkenburg of Neversink, and Milton VanValkenburg of Grahamsville; a sister-in-law Debbie Avery of Monticello; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by sisters-in-law: Ruth Price and her husband John, and Marjorie Price and her husband Tom; as well as a brother-in-law David Avery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22 from 2:00 to 5:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello with a funeral service starting at 5pm at the funeral home.  Cremation will follow the services.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School Backpack Program.  Please make checks payable to “KLR Sunshine” and send them to the attention of Carolyn Rojas, 26 Patricia Place, Monticello, NY 12701.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com