June Elaine Scoville

June Scoville (DeGraw), 89, passed away peacefully at home in Niskayuna on January 19, 2021.  

June was born in Bridgeport, Nebraska on May 22, 1931 to Frederick and Faye DeGraw. Following her parents’ tragic death on Christmas morning when she was nine years old, June moved between extended family, changing schools every year. As a young adult, after graduating from Freemont High School, she decided to pursue a college education on her own and graduated from the University of Nebraska. It was during this time that she met a dashing young man who would later become her life partner. She joined the Navy in 1952 as an officer in Washington D.C. The following year, she and Vern married and moved to Schenectady. 

June was a champion of women’s rights and opportunity. She instilled the importance of education in her children and grandchildren, stating that that they could be anything they wanted to be if they made the effort and had a plan! As a kindergarten teacher of 21 years at Scotia-Glenville and a doting grandmother, she encouraged others to nurture their curiosity about the social and natural worlds, much the way she did throughout her own life.  

June loved to shop and dress well. She delighted in the company of friends and family, notably the JUGS (Just Us Girls) and her wonderful neighbors. She nurtured relationships with her extended family, making numerous trips out west to visit them.

June was a kind and generous person. She was a dedicated congregant of the Emmanuel Friedens Church in Schenectady and participated in various volunteer activities including hosting foreign exchange students and supporting the integration of refugees. 

Her legacy of hard work, generosity, curiosity and devotion to those she loved lives on. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 67 years Vern Scoville, children Steven (Gabi), Susan, Sherri (Steven) and her grandchildren Carolin, Julie (Tim), Madeleine, David, Maya and Peyton. She will also be missed by younger siblings Harold, Darrel and LaVonne, and her many nephews and nieces. 

The family is grateful for the support of numerous aides, including Glory, Maria and Nita, and many thoughtful Fox Hollow neighbors.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

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