Sue Schrader loses friend from military days

Sue Ahouse Schrader, the life of every party, is dealing with sorrow today. Her friend during her military days, and into her 60^th birthday, passed away.

Sue’s sister, Mary “Kitty” Ahouse Morrison, explains:

Kitty Morrison

Prayers for my sister Sue Schrader as she lost a very close friend of hers today. Nida was like a mother to her when she was in the military. Nida made the trip to come to Sue's surprise 60 th birthday party and was up dancing with us. RIP Nida. You were a wonderful lady and friend to all.

Sue’s post:

RIP Nida. You have been a God send to all us new Airmen at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, that was lucky enough to have you train us . You opened your home, heart and family to so many. I have been so blessed to have you in my life all of these years, even after my Plattsburgh days. You were like a Mom to me and I thank you for always being there for me. You have kept all of us connected and I will do my best, not to drop that connection. You passed on your ability to think of everyone else onto your kids. They reached out to all that loved you even during the hardest hours of their lives. My heart is breaking along with everyone, but will dwell on all the great memories. The pictures are from my 60th Birthday Party. May you and Bob dance forever.

Nida’s obituary:

Nida L. Llewellyn

Peru – Nida L. Llewellyn, 84, of the Dashnaw Road, Peru, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2016, at the UVM Health Network, CVPH, Plattsburgh. Nida left with her beloved children, grandchildren, and numerous cherished friends by her side.

Nida Louise Bowen was born to Jesse and Goldie Surdam Bowen in Liberty, Tioga, Pennsylvania on October 5, 1931. She was born in a home that contained the local telephone switchboard. Her mother Goldie ran the switchboard and her father Jesse was a telephone lineman. Nida began to run the switchboard at 7 years old and was often allowed to accompany her father on his telephone lineman rounds. This training led to a lifetime profession (49 years) as a telephone operator at numerous locations that included Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, Montgomery, Alabama, Logansport, Indiana, Wichita, Kansas, and finally at 2042 Communications Squadron at Plattsburgh AFB. Nida was known as Operator 4 at the Comm Squad and retired in 1993 after 26 years. After retirement, Nida's warm and friendly personality would not let her enjoy retirement, so she took on the position of a Customer Service Representative at the Champlain Centre Mall. She enjoyed being out in the Customer Service booth, where she met and made many new friends out of numerous mall employees and mall visitors. Nida retired from her second career in 2005.

She was an avid reader, always ready "to go", and a dedicated fan of the New York Islanders hockey team. Nida cherished her membership in the Harknes/Keeseville United Methodist Church as well as the friendship of her fellow parishioners. She also enjoyed her membership in the Red Hat Ladies Society and cherished her Red Hatter compatriots.

Nida married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Paul Llewellyn at the Liberty Evangelical Church in Liberty, Pennsylvania on March 6, 1952. Three weeks later she had to endure a prolonged seperation from him when he left for a deployment to Korea. Upon his return to the States, their married life involved shipments to various US Air Force Bases. Bob passed away November 30, 2002 following their 50th Wedding Anniversary. After 13 long years she has now been reunited with him.

Nida has left behind so many cherished family and friends. She is survived by her cherished sister Ardith (Robert) Matreski of Blossburg, Pennsylvania; son, Robert (Jennifer) Llewellyn; daughters, Brenda (Harry) Smith, and Gloria Llewellyn all of Peru; grandchildren, Heather (Joshua) Lavigne of Cadyville, Brandon (Carrie) Smith of Peru, and Kayla Smith of Astoria, New York; niece, Rosemary Jankowiak of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania; and her greatest treasures great-grandchildren, Keegan, Kalib, and Kayden Smith, and Sarah and Wyatt Lavigne; sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Donnie) Haddow, Faye Kenyon, and Linda Llewellyn; numberous nieces, nephews and cousins; her "Bobbsey twin" best friend and Comm Squad/Champlain Centre co-worker, Dorothy McLean; dear friends, Joan Lange and Lucille Parsons; and adopted sister, Winnie Smith.

During her Comm Squad career Nida mentored and loved numerous young military airmen. She leaves behind many military kids, especially Sue Schrader, Bill (Glee) Ross, Sue Ludwig, and Steve Berman.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her nephew, Garry Smith; sisters-in-law, Joyce Smith, and Mary Lou Machmer, and brothers-in-law, Richard Llewellyn, Beryl "Bert" Llewellyn, Herb Smith, and Bill Kenyon.

Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday, January 22, 2016 from 1 to 3pm at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru. A memorial service will follow at 3pm in the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Edie A. Poland, presiding.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peru Fire Department, American Heart Association, Elmore SPCA in Peru, or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.