Obituary of Anita Haugen

Anita M. Haugen, 67, of Glenville passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2013 following an | inspirational and courageous two-year battle with cancer. Born in Amsterdam on February 23, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Arnold and Mary Lepore Synarski. She graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School and then earned a B.S. in nursing from SUNY Plattsburgh. In her first career, Anita worked as a critical care nurse at St. Clare's Hospital, then as a senior nursing instructor for 10 years at the Albany Medical Center School of Nursing until it closed. She then left nursing and began a second career as owner and operator of Anita M. Haugen Real Estate Appraisal in Glenville. In addition to her business, she was an avid promoter of her husband's jazz group "Al Haugen and Friends." She was married on December 10, 1980 to Alfred O. Haugen and the couple built their passive solar home in Glenville in 1984. Anita and Al enjoyed entertaining at their home with family and friends. She was a gourmet cook, avid gardener, event planner and loved all animals. Anita was a member of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers/Appraisal Institute with an SRA designation, and a member of the board of directors of "A Place For Jazz." Loved and admired by all who knew her, Anita was often described as kind, compassionate, always willing to help, and a genuine, good person with oh so many talents! In addition to her beloved husband Al, Anita is survived by her wonderful dog, Lucy, and three cats all rescues. Anita's wish was for a gathering of friends as a remembrance of her. There will be no formal funeral service. A celebration of her life will be held at a date to be determined. Memorial donations may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA, PO Box 484, 1007 State Highway 5S, Amsterdam, NY 12020 or the City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305