Mildred Clegg Ackerly, born in Floral Park on June 21, 1933, died peacefully surrounded by her children in her home in Floral Park on Friday, Nov. 13. Dedicated educator and family matriarch, she was a generous friend and mentor to many.
Beloved wife of the late James Albert Ackerley and the late Leland Drennen Ackerley. Devoted mother of Dr. Mary Beth Ackerley (Alexander Casler) of Tucson, AZ; Robert Ackerley (Nora Smith) of Houston, TX; Leland Ackerley (Carmen DalPont) of Houston, TX; Anne Ackerley (David Lewis) of Riverdale, NY; and Margaret Ackerley (Mark Bollinger) of McLean, VA.
Adored grandmother to Benjamin, Sydney and Eve Ackerley; Alexis, Andrew, Leland and Will Ackerley; Jack and Juliet Lewis; and James and Caroline Bollinger. Caring sister of Frances Feeney, Mary Anne Clegg, John Clegg, Alice Wolfteich, and Paul Clegg; preceded in death by her brothers Ambrose Clegg and George Clegg.
Mildred taught mathematics at New Hyde Park Memorial High School for 30 years where she served as advisor to the National Honor Society, director of student activities, and Sewanhaka Central High School district coordinator of talented and gifted programs. Before becoming a teacher, Mildred served as a mathematician at the George C. Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, AL, and with the American Bosch Arma Corp. in Carle Place. She was elected alumni trustee of Adelphi University, 1967-70; served as vice president of the Friends of the Floral Park Library; membership chairperson of the Sewanhaka Federation of Teachers, retired; and board member of the Nassau North Retired Teachers Association.
In 2002, she was honored by Delta Gamma Fraternity for 50 years of membership and service. Family and friends gathered for services at Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home in Floral Park, with funeral services at the United Methodist Church of Floral Park, and private interment.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to the Friends of the Floral Park Library or to the Mildred Clegg Ackerley Scholarship Fund at Adelphi University. She was a force of nature and a loving presence in all our lives; we will miss her dearly.
