Stanya S. Jimenez

September 30, 1928 - November 6, 2018

Stanya S. Jimenez passed away at home in Cairo, NY, surrounded by those who loved her deeply, on November 6, 2018, at the age of 90. She was a beloved wife, a celebrated teacher, a treasured grandmother, and a mother of four. Born in Manhattan on September 30, 1928, Stanya was the only daughter of Irving Schwarzkopf and Ruth Benedict Schwarzkopf. On February 3, 1947, she married the love of her life, John I. Jimenez, in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. The young couple moved to the southwest, where they both attended the University of New Mexico. After returning to New York, they first settled in Catskill to raise their family, moving to Red Hook in 1966. Stanya was a devoted member of St. John’s Reformed Church in Red Hook. She received a Masters in Education from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, and taught reading at John L. Edwards Elementary School in Hudson, NY for over 30 years, volunteering after her retirement for more than a decade. She was a fierce advocate for all children, especially the ones likely to be left behind, and will be lovingly remembered policing the hallways for untied shoelaces. Known as “Nana” to almost everyone, Stanya was small in stature but remarkably tenacious. Quiet, yet perceptive. Her bright, adoring smile and feisty spirit will be missed by many. She was preceded in death by her husband (2003) and her son, John M. Jimenez (2014). She is survived by her daughters Joya (Michael) DiStefano, Brie J. Gallagher, and Yona Bocchino; her grandchildren Jenna (Mike Carr) Jimenez, John “JJ” I. Jimenez, Jessica (Uriel) Ruiz, Shannon Gallagher, Adam Berardi, Zachary Bocchino, Dylan (Lauren) Gallagher, and Seth Gallagher; seven great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Peter (Marion) and Daniel (Connie) Schwarzkopf. A celebration of life will be held on November 18th, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Nana’s home (771 County Rte. 20, Cairo, N.Y.) Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Stanya S. Jimenez scholarship. Payments can be made to Hudson Sr. High School, in care of Ellen Miller, 215 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson, NY 12534. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Richards Funeral Home, Bross Street, Cairo, N.Y. Condolences may be made at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.