Ethel Fowler, well-known Amityville artist

by Tiffany Elliott

Lifelong Amityville resident, local historian and artist Ethel Barbara Fowler died June 28, 2008 at New Island Hospital in Bethpage. She was 97 and dedicated her life to caring for her family and her community.

She was born December 24, 1910 to Raymond and Vivian Van Nostrand, one of the founding families in the area. In fact, her grandparents' former estate is now the site of Amityville High School and she died in the same home in which she was born on Richmond Avenue in Amityville. Although she spent some years living in Manhattan, the house remained her weekend getaway, until she moved back to the Amityville community permanently.

As a member of the Amityville Artist's Circle, she had her paintings, oils and watercolors of landscapes and wildlife displayed at the First United Methodist Church and the Library, both in Amityville.

"Ethel has been a member of the art community for many years," said Irene Greenhalgh, president of the Amityville Artist's Circle. "She was a very talented and well-loved artist. We'll definitely miss her."

Mrs. Fowler was a longtime parishioner of the First United Methodist Church in Amityville, active in the Amityville Historical Society and a member of the

Amityville Senior Center where she loved to play bridge and knit. She also delivered library books to homebound elderly. She leaves behind her nieces: Barbara Iverson of Missouri and Luanne Gibson of Connecticut, her stepchildren: Anne Branch and William V., and her grandchildren, Heather and William Branch also survive her. Her husband William E. predeceased her in March 1998. The Rev. Doctor Louise Stowe-Johns, pastor First United Methodist Church, and the Rev. A. Erik Rasmussen, former pastor, co-officiated at the funeral service

held in the church. Interment followed in Amityville Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by the Powell Funeral Home in Amityville.

Donations in her name can be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville, New York 11701 or to the Amityville Artist's Circle, P.O. Box 543, Amityville, New York 11701.