Obituary of Erla Waterston

South Pasadena, FL: Erla (Andrus) Waterston, formerly of North Creek, NY, age 91, Passed away peacefully on May 28, 2015 at the Palms of Pasadena Hospital with her children, Jimmy and Jeannie, by her side. Born on January 1, 1924 in North Creek, NY, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 42 years, Colin C. Waterston, parents Byron and Julia (Fuller) Andrus, and brother Erwin “Butsey” Andrus. She is survived by her son James B. Waterston of South Pasadena, FL and daughter Jean (Bob) Place of Fairport, NY; grandchildren Spencer and Lucy Place; sister Evelyn Houghton; sister-in-law Hulda Waterston; many loving nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. Erla graduated from Johnsburg Central School in 1941 and married in 1942 prior to Colin’s induction into the Army. In the early 1940s, Erla attended the Beaux Arts School of Beauty Culture in Syracuse, NY. She proudly identified herself as a cosmetologist, was the long time operator of the Beauty Shoppe in North Creek, NY, and was President for several years of the Warren County Hairdressers’ Association. Erla thoroughly enjoyed being an active participant in the North Creek community--from dressing up for parades, playing on the community women’s basketball team, calling the bingo games, planning community trips to Hawaii, Great Britain, and Nashville, leading prayers at the Methodist Church to helping out her neighbors. She continued an active social life and volunteering when she moved to Florida in 2000 to escape the cold and snow and to live with her son. Though she missed the Adirondack Mountains and her extended family dearly, she took to “city” living and the warmth and activities that South Pasadena offered. Erla was a well-known and beloved figure of the Gulfport Senior Center and was particularly known for her humorous bingo calling, competitive bridge playing, and enthusiasm for her painting classes. A friend to all, she won civic recognition for the compassion and kindness that defined her. Sharp to the very end, she continued crocheting and playing bridge until just recently. To celebrate Erla’s life, family and friends are invited to a graveside ceremony to be held Sunday, July 26th at 11:30 am at Union Cemetery in North Creek. A reception will follow at Basil & Wick's. Memorials if desired may be made to the Johnsburg Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 151, Johnsburg, NY 12843 in her memory. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book and condolences.