Elizabeth C. Spiro, 80, a resident of Hopewell Junction since 1960, died on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center following a long illness.
Born in Staten Island on May 14, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth V. and Frederick W. Clark, and older sister to the late Frederick W. Clark and Denise M. Clark. She attended St. Peter’s High School, Staten Island where she was the President of her graduating class. A member of the Athletic Club, she graduated with highest honors and was the recipient of a gold medal for her achievements. She graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor’s Degree from Marist College, Poughkeepsie and her Master’s Degree through New York University, Manhattan. This included study at the Sorbonne in Paris, France and the University of Kyoto in Japan.
Elizabeth was employed by the Arlington School District teaching English until her retirement in 1996. In this capacity, she developed a course of study in Comparative Literature, using her own study abroad to guide her students to compare European and Japanese literature. She enjoyed world travel, having explored Central America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
On July 21, 1954 at St. Paul’s Church in New Brighton, Staten Island, Elizabeth married Kenneth V. Spiro who survives at home. She was the mother of Elizabeth S. Spiro-Carman, Kenneth V. Spiro Jr. and his wife Barbara, Stephen T. Spiro and the late Marie V. (Spiro) Gleason; and the grandmother of six grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in Stanford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made to Pets for Vets, Inc., PO Box 10860, Wilmington, NC 28404. For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit Elizabeth’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.