Verna I. Montague

PHILMONT ~ Verna I. Montague beloved wife and mother, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 at the Oneida Extended Care Facility, where she had resided since March. She was born July 20, 1925, the daughter of Delbert and Hazel Boyles. She grew up in the Pine Plains, Ancramdale area before moving to Philmont as a teen-ager. It was at Philmont High School, where she met the love of her life, Howard “Howie” Montague. The two dated throughout high school and when Howie got his orders to report to the Naval Academy, they quickly planned a beautiful wedding. They wed on Sept. 25, 1944, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Philmont. Together, Verna and Howie raised seven children. Verna took great pride in her family and her home. She was an avid cook, known for her potato salad, clam chowder and her cookies and pies. People would often ask for her recipes, but there weren’t any. She cooked from the heart and by sight. As a teen-ager Verna had worked as the ticket seller at the Philmont Theater and as a young bride had worked in the nightgown factory in Philmont. When her husband returned from overseas, Verna left the workforce to focus on raising her children. After her youngest started school, she went to work for the family business, Montague Oil Co., as a bookkeeper. When they retired, they traveled the country, visiting children and grandchildren and cities they had always wanted to see. A highlight of their travels was a trip to Ireland, where Verna braved her fear of heights to kiss the Blarney Stone. Verna was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Philmont, until its closing when she attended St. Mary’s/Holy Trinity in Hudson. She volunteered for the church, the American Legion and the Mellenville Fire Department. She was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. Her greatest joy later in life were her children and grandchildren and she often stated that she did not have a single regret in life. Verna is survived by her children, Carol Ann and Jack Armstrong of Elizaville, Bill and Judy Montague of Waterford, Linda Traphagen of Buffalo Grove, Ill., Paula and Bob Currie of Homer, Phyllis and Steve Harris of Eaton, Richard and Kristy Montague of Alexandria, Va., and Howard and Sarah Montague of Mellenville, 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Verna is also survived by her sister, Jean Smith. She was predeceased by her beloved Howie, in 2010, and a brother Delbert Boyles of Ghent. Calling hours will be Wednesday November 29, 2023 from 3-5pm at the Sacco Funeral Home 700 Town Hall Drive Hudson, NY 12534. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Thursday 10:00AM at Holy Trinity Parish 429 E. Allen St. Hudson, NY with Fr. Anthony Barratt officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Philmont. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Town of Claverack Food Pantry or the Activities Department of the Oneida Extended Care Facility. The family wishes to thank the staff of the third floor of the Oneida Extended Care Facility and Crystal Chapple, N.P., who provided such devoted and loving care. To leave online condolences visit: www.saccofuneralhome.com

Verna I. Montague

July 20, 1925 - November 22, 2023