Obituary of Olga Akerley

Woodridge, NY

Olga Akerley, age 89, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Olga was born to parents Samuel Cherviok and Anna Michon on May 19, 1935 in Woodridge, New York where she grew up living on the family’s bungalow colony “Cherviok Bungalows” on Maple Avenue. Olga attended school in Woodridge, NY where she had many friends that lasted her lifetime. Early on, Olga worked as a telephone operator on Maple Avenue in Woodridge.

Later she worked for 1st National Bank which then became Ellenville National Bank in Woodridge for decades. She became a mainstay in the community and much admired for her genuine care for others and accurate banking skills. Olga was a past member of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Woodridge United Methodist Church.

Olga met and fell in love with the love of her life Harold “Hetz” Akerley, her absolute soulmate; whom she married on March 2, 1958 in Beaver Falls, New York. The two continued to live and build their family, working tirelessly together on their bungalow colony where they hosted many families and made many beautiful memories. Olga worked side by side with Harold taking care of everything and anything that needed to be done. They were inseparable.

Over the years Olga and Harold welcomed three children; Donna, Glen and Eric, whom they loved deeply. As her children grew up and created adult lives of their own, Olga was blessed with three grandchildren, Brianna, Amie and Nolan. They were the apple of her eye and her heart was filled with much joy. Olga loved going out to eat at Gaby’s in Ellenville and eating her favorite steak fajitas, it was such fun to witness her maneuver a tortilla. Olga also held a special fondness for Ciao Bella in Monticello where Vinny and Gunny and their staff always made her feel like family. Gunny would always make her a special cocktail that she enjoyed so much and Vinny would always make a point to see her when she was there and made her absolute favorite chicken martini dinner which she savored to the very last bite. Olga was blessed to have a number of close friends and relatives that touched her heart over the years, especially in her last days whom have kept in contact with her. She loved and appreciated you very much. You know who you are.

In 1995, Olga retired from the bank to care for Harold during a brief illness until his passing. This loss was immeasurable for the entire family. Soon after, Olga sold the family bungalow colony and purchased a lovely home in Grahamsville where she slowly began a new chapter. In 2009 Olga was no longer able to live on her own, her son Eric and his wife Donna renovated their home in Woodridge where Olga lived with them and their children for over 15 years.

In her last days, Olga took comfort knowing that she would soon be reunited with Harold where they would once again become as one. We would like the give special thanks to Catskill Hatzalah, Rock Hill EMS, Woodridge Fire Department and Hospice of Orange & Sullivan County, NY for their excellent level of care to Olga and our family during our time of need. We truly appreciate everything you have done to ensure Olga’s comfort.

Olga was predeceased by her husband Harold (Hetz) Akerley, parents Samuel and Anna Cherviok and sister Helen Salovin (Irwin). Olga leaves behind to cherish her memory, brother Alexander Cherviok, Olga’s children, Donna Akerley - Coxson, son Glen Akerley and wife Pam, son Eric Akerley and wife Donna, her three grandchildren, Brianna (Kory) Yetter, Amie Akerley (Kevin) and Nolan Akerley, as well as many other loving family members.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service; where Tyler Z. Murtie and his staff have lovingly prepared Olga to be laid to rest in the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery. At Olga’s request, there will be no visitation only a graveside service on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 1:00 pm, officiated by Reverend Walter C. Haff of the Woodridge United Methodist Church.  There will be an intimate celebration of life at a later time and date to be organized by Olga’s family.

Olga has asked that any donations may be made to the Woodridge Volunteer Fire Department - Fireman’s Park Fund. PO Box 683, Woodridge, NY 12789

To share a memory or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.zmmemorials.com.