WESTERLO — Cecile Owens Plattner, age 67, of Greenville died peacefully of cancer on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, surrounded by her family.

She was born to Caroline Mulford Owens and James R. Owens, Jr. in Wilmington, Delaware on Aug. 24, 1957. She grew up in Westport, Connecticut and graduated college at the University of Vermont, where she majored in English and met her husband, Frank Plattner.

Frank and Cecile married in 1985 and moved to Greene County. Their daughter, Anna, was born in 1990 and their twins, Matthew and Marina, were adopted in 1999 at age 2 from Russia.

“Cecile was devoted to her family, friends, and community,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She was a skilled organizer with a powerful sense of duty, strong work ethic, and determined yet humble manner. 

“She was a founding member of the Greenville Citizens Park Committee, which helped to fundraise, acquire, and plan for the George V. Vanderbilt Town Park in the early 1990s.

“She was a lifetime member of the Girls Scouts of the USA and was honored for her more than 25 years of service at different levels of the organization. She led two Girl Scout troops with distinction.

“Cecile was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Greenville. She taught Sunday School, directed Christmas pageants, and prepared candidates for Confirmation.

“In 2016, Cecile became a member of the Greenville Rotary Club. She and her family hosted three Rotary international exchange students. She served as the president of the club from 2018 to 2022, leading the club through the challenging pandemic. She was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for her contributions to Rotary. After her presidency, she was an Assistant District Governor for Rotary.

“In 2021, Cecile was awarded a commendation from the New York State Senate for her public service. In times of need, Cecile would unfailingly respond in meaningful ways. Many friends can attest to her kind and generous assistance; she was the kind of person you could call in a crisis because she would show up.

“Cecile was the center of a large family and circle of friends. She was a skilled cook, gracious hostess, and creative party and event planner.

“She loved to travel.  In the year before she became ill, Frank and Cecile traveled to five continents, going on adventures that included swimming in the Amazon River, wading in the Indian Ocean, and camping in the Serengeti.”

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Cecile Owens Plattner is survived by her mother, Caroline Owens; her husband of 38 years, Frank Plattner; her daughters, Anna Plattner (Justin Wexler) and Marina Plattner; her son, Matthew Plattner; and her two grandchildren, Corinna and Frank Wexler.

She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Owens Wakefield (Bill); brother Jonathan Owens (Jill); sister-in-law, Christina Evola; and nieces and nephews, Julia Evola, Madeleine and Billy Wakefield, and Kirsten and James Owens.

A memorial service and interment services will be private. A memorial gathering will be arranged for a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church in Greenville, at Post Office Box 278, Greenville, NY  12083.