Joan Ara Kozlarek, 87, a resident of Valley Cottage, NY, died on Monday, September 4, 2017 at the Tolstoy Foundation Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Valley Cottage, NY. Ms. Kozlarek was a teacher at Carle Place Elementary School, Kensington-John in Great Neck, NY, Hilltop School in Nyack, NY and the Walden School in New York City. She also taught at Tenafly Junior High in Tenafly, NJ. Ms. Kozlarek was also the personal secretary to actress Helen Hayes.

Born on June 25, 1930 in Sharon, CT she was the daughter of the late John Ambrose and Amelia Ida (Tabor) Kozlarek. Ms. Kozlarek was a graduate of Dover High School class of 1948. She received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz class of 1952 and later graduated with a Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education from Columbia University’s Teacher College class of 1966. She was a member of the Great Neck Teachers Association and served as an officer for several years. Ms. Kozlarek shared a life and home with Rodgers Wheeler in South Nyack and West Nyack, NY for 45 years.

A graveside service and burial will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at the Valley View Cemetery, S. Nellie Hill Road, Dover Plains, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, 9 Barnes Dr, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. For directions or to send the family an online condolence, please visit www.hufcutfuneralhome.com

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