Marie-Ellen Pond

Marie-Ellen Pond, 86, died December 10, 2020 at the Rutland Regional Medical Center.

She was born in Rochester, NY, April 7, 1934, the daughter of George Metheral and Marie Rose (Klier) Zieres Sr.

She was a former resident of Long Island, NY, Randolph, NY and finally settling with her childhood sweetheart in Pittsford VT.

Marie-Ellen was a Commercial Artist having worked for Nassau County Printing and Graphics for more than 25 years, retiring in 1986.  While in high school, Marie joined the US Civil Air Patrol. In 1953 she was named New York State’s Top Cadet and was promoted to Second Lieutenant and with that was able to go to Lackland AFB, Texas for further training.  Having studied Fine Art at NYU she continued her art education by studying Sumi-e at Queens College, NY under esteemed Professor Motoi Oi, founder of the Sumi-e Society of America. In 1963 Marie-Ellen won first place at the juried Sumi-e art exhibit at NY’s Nippon Club. She and her previous husband Ben were avid rock and mineral enthusiasts as members of the Nassau Mineral Club and often went rock-hounding during vacations. While living on Long Island, NY over a ten year period she opened her home to college students from around the world. These students were considered honorary family members and one, Ifield Joseph still refers to her as his “American Mom”. As a proud grandmother of five, she was reportedly the world’s best Blueberry Pie maker.

Surviving are her husband Douglas Pond of Pittsford, VT; a son, Mark (JoAnn) Kurtis of Great Valley, NY and sister in law, Carol Zieres of Randolph NY; 5 grandchildren, Amanda (James) Clark of Albany NY, Christine Kurtis of Canton NY, Jessica Kurtis of Nashville TN, Phillip Kurtis of Portland OR and Zachary Kurtis of Great Valley NY. She was predeceased by her parents, and her brother, George M. Zieres, Jr. and her previous husband, Benjamin Perryman.

Because of social conditions, memorial services and a celebration of life will be held at a future date, at the convenience of the family. Condolences can be sent to her husband, Doug Pond, c/o Mt. View Center, 9 Haywood Ave, Rutland, Vt. 05701 and or to her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and JoAnn Kurtis, 4508 Courtney Highland Drive, Great Valley, NY, 14741.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Marie-Ellen’s memory to either the Randolph Historical Society, PO Box 143, Randolph, NY 14772 or, to the Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763.

Arrangements are by the Clifford Funeral Home.