Louise C. Tefft

July 4, 1915 - December 20, 2016

Louise Carolyn Kling Tefft, 101, of Jamestown, NY since 1955 and formerly of Snyder, NY passed away on December 20, 2016 at Absolut Care, Westfield, NY. She was born on July 4, 1915 in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of the late Edwin M. and Winifred J. Kling. Louise graduated from Amherst High School in 1934. Following high school she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Hood College in Frederick, MD in 1937 and she earned her Master’s degree in Child Development from Syracuse University in 1947. Louise taught Home Economics at Lancaster High School and at Lincoln Junior High School and retired in 1972. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jamestown and served as an elder. Louise was also a member of the American Association of University Women, New York State Retired Teachers’ Association and Jamestown Republican Women (past president). She served on the Board of Directors for St. Susan’s Center and Chautauqua County Blind Association. Louise was a volunteer at the Safe House and the Coffee House at Jamestown General Hospital. Bitten by the travel bug upon retirement, Louise went on several tours, visiting the British Isles, the Holy Land with members of her church, Australia and New Zealand. At one point in time, she took the Queen Mary from London to New York City. She made many trips to St. Thomas to spend time with friends Dot and Harold. And, accompanying her friend Pat, she explored the Spanish countryside and its many historic places. She also traveled to Berlin with Pat in 1987 before the wall came down in 1989. They took a bus tour into East Berlin and were amazed with the stark contrast with the West. In addition to her parents, Louise is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald A. Tefft, whom she married on September 19, 1947 and who passed away on December 21, 1983. She is also preceded in death by nephew, Thomas Tefft, niece, Laura Tefft, and great nephew, Wade Tefft. She is survived by two nieces, Nancy (Charles) King of Chiefland, FL and Patricia (Frank) Bailey of Rochester, IN, and cousins Barbara (Jeffrey) Bird of Caledonia, NY and Jeffrey Roth of Webster, NY along with many great nieces and nephews and cousins. She will also be missed by her close friends Patricia Hakel and Marsha Merwin. Per Louise’s request, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Powers, Present and Sixbey Funeral Home, 316 East Fifth Street, Jamestown, NY. To light a candle or to send Louise’s family condolences, please visit www.presentsixbeyfuneral.com.