Eileen Myra (née Arnold) Clickman lived her entire life in the Hilltowns and was a pillar in many of its institutions from the Westerlo Reformed Church to the ladies’ auxiliary of the volunteer fire company.

She died peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Shaker Place in Albany. She was 95 years old.

“Born at home during a snowstorm on Jan. 2, 1929, in Westerlo, to Isaac Merlin and Elizabeth Sarah (née Moak) Arnold,” her family wrote in a tribute, “she was the second baby delivered by beloved Westerlo physician Dr. Anna Perkins.

“She was raised on the family farm in Berne, graduated from Berne-Knox school in 1947, and married the love of her life, Levi Clickman. They moved to Westerlo where she remained until last year.

“She worked at Montgomery Ward and the Tollgate Restaurant before starting work in the office at Hannay Reels where she spent the next 20-plus years before retiring.

“When her boys were young, Eileen was a foster mom, caring for newborn babies until they were placed with adoptive families.

“Back when schools had ‘feeder routes,’ she ferried kids to the Westerlo School in the family station wagon.

“Eileen was a Life Member of the Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company Ladies’ Auxiliary, joining in 1959 when Levi was a fireman and the ladies wanted to do something to help them. They provided water, coffee, and meals while the men were working at the scene.

“They raised funds for the company with breakfasts, dinners, and Bingo Nights, but her favorite event was the Annual Strawberry Festival.  She was recently honored for 65 years of service.

“She was a lifelong member of the Westerlo Reformed Church and was active in the ladies’ group.  She would recall stories of raising her sons in the church, participating in pizza nights, church fairs, donation suppers, chicken barbecues, and roast pork suppers.

“She and Levi loved traveling and were especially fond of camping, sharing that pastime with their sons and grandchildren. Their favorite destination was the Amish Country in Pennsylvania. They belonged to the Helderberg Hilltoppers and camped with them for many years. They also snowmobiled and belonged to the Northwind Riders.  

“They enjoyed bowling at the old lanes at Lake Onderdonk and Del Lanes followed by a gathering at someone’s home for refreshments.

After Levi passed, she went on trips with the Berne Seniors and traveled to visit family, the Sight & Sound Theater, Disney World, and on a cruise. No matter the destination, she was always up for a drive.

“Thankfully she was able to live at home until just last year.  Her family would like to thank the staff at Peregrine Crossgates and Shaker Place for their care and support.”

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Eileen Myra Clickman is survived by her sister, Shirley Michaels, and her husband, Daniel, of Westerlo; her sons, Merlin Clickman of Strafford, New Hampshire, and Allan Clickman and his fiancée, Kelley Keefe, of Westerlo.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer Thurber and her husband, Chad, of Claremont, New Hampshire; Matthew Clickman and his wife, Catherine, of Braintree, Massachusetts; Allan Clickman and his wife, Tara, of Lowgap, North Carolina; Jason Clickman and his wife, Amanda, of Westerlo; Amanda Hamilton and her husband, Matthew, of Somersworth, New Hampshire; and Joshua Clickman of Dover, New Hampshire.

She is survived, too, by 25 great-grandchildren and many friends and extended family members.

Her parents, Isaac Merlin and Elizabeth Sarah (née Moak) Arnold, died before her, as did her beloved husband of 50 years, Levi Clickman; grandchildren Jessica Clickman, Isaac and his wife, April Clickman; daughter-in-law Colette Clickman; and many cherished friends.

Calling hours will be Friday, May 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home at 4898 State Route 81 in Greenville.

The funeral will be Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m. at the Westerlo Reformed Church at 564 State Route 143 in Westerlo, followed by burial in Westerlo Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Westerlo Reformed Church, Post Office Box 70, Westerlo, NY  12193 or to the Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company, Post Office Box 87, Westerlo, NY  12193.