Obituary of Nona L. Schurman

Dancer Nona Schurman took her final bow on Tues. May 10th at 106 yrs. of age. Nona is survived by three nephews: David, Robert and Alex Schurman and their families, all of Montreal, Canada. Nona also has a Geneseo family comprised of long-time students who were grateful to be by her bedside around the time of her passing. She leaves behind a legacy of numerous students, friends and colleagues who span the course of decades and who love her very much. All undoubtedly say she inspired them with her passion for modern dance, teaching, and living life with both a sense of humor and a sense of wonder. Nona was professor emeritus at SUNY Geneseo where she received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching with a perfect score. She began her career performing with the great pioneers of modern dance, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, in the late 1930's. During her 30 years in NYC Nona was vice president and department head of the New Dance Group Studio, in the Humphrey-Weidman Company and also taught composition and dance technique at the 92nd St. Y. She served in the USO during World War II. Nona was an avid environmentalist and paddled her canoe at every opportunity from age 5 to 85. A private memorial service will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Geneseo Foundation/Dance Scholarship Fund in memory of Nona Schurman, 1 College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454. www.sunygeneseo.edu/support Thank you. Heartfelt gratitude also, to those who cared for Nona in her home as well as at East Side Nursing Home. Sincere thanks goes to the well deserved Geneseo Police Department, all the EMT's and many others for helping Nona when needed, day or night.