In Memory of Aileen Townsend

Obituary

Aileen Townsend of Old Forge, New York passed away on January 4, 2025. She was born August 12, 1944 in Hudson Falls, New York. Her parents were Neil and Noella Townsend. She was predeceased by her twin sister, Arleen McDevitt, her brother Warren Townsend, and Michael Peter Paravati, her partner for 37 years. She is survived by her sister-in-law June Townsend, brother-in-law John McDevitt, several nieces and nephews, Matthew and Pam McDevitt, Elizabeth McDevitt, Brian, Denise, Casey and Monica Townsend.

Aileen attended Union Free School #9 and graduated from Hudson Falls High School. She was selected for their Wall of Distinction in 2005 as a role model for students. Her advanced educational degrees include B.A. in Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from SUNY Buffalo, Master’s in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Doctorate in Public Administration from New York University. Her career was in the field of mental health working as a social worker and mental health administrator.

During her career, she was employed by New York State Office of Mental Health, in adult, children, and forensic psychiatric hospitals. She was Director of a National Institute of Mental Health grant initiating the first state run comprehensive mental health program for children on Long Island, NY working with schools and other child-caring agencies to decrease the need for institutional care for children with psychiatric problems. She was part of the executive team responsible for the development of NYS Forensic Mental Health Programs for mentally ill inmates which served as a model for forensic mental health programs in other states and countries. Her doctoral dissertation “Decision-making as it relates to the Release of Offenders with Mental Health Histories” served as the basis for changing the way mental health parole evaluations in NYS were completed for the Division of Parole.

As a community volunteer, Aileen served on several Boards including president and board member of a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed adolescent boys on Long Island; the Forensic Hospital Board of Visitors, and president and board member of the

Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, a philanthropic organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for women and girls. She volunteered for numerous organizations in the Mohawk Valley and Old Forge, NY. Aileen enjoyed tennis, golf, kayaking, painting, and traveling. Most of all she enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Donations may be made to the Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, 2 Williams Street, Clinton, NY 13323, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to June Townsend, 271 Airport Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 or Barbara Getty, PO Box 1027, Old Forge, NY 13420.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.