Eugenia N. Gerber

Voorheesville- Eugenia Nelidov Gerber, a beloved member of our community, died peacefully on March 17, 2025, in Albany, NY. She was born December 2, 1930 and was the only child of George Archady Nelidov and Eugenia Nenachaeva Nelidov, who emigrated to the U.S.A. from Russia following World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution.

Eugenia’s early life was spent in Chicago, where she was born. In 1943 she moved to McAllen, Texas, with her parents. After high school she attended Texas A&M University in College Station, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, and met and fell in love with Philip Leslie Gerber. They were married on June 3, 1953, at St. Joseph’s Church in Edinburg, Texas,

Eugenia earned a master’s degree in art history from SUNY Brockport and served as a docent at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester and on the Board of The Morgan Manning House, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, in Brockport. In her professional career, Eugenia held a leadership position in Education at the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum, now rebranded The Strong National Museum of Play, in Rochester.

Eugenia, affectionately known as “Mia,” remained devoted to Philip until his death in 2005. Mia was the cherished mother of, and is survived by, Gaylen Gerber (Autumn Ramsey), Vivien Anderson (John), and Glenn Gerber. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Katherine Anderson (Jordan Estey) and Michelle Anderson (Ryan Varga), and four great-grandchildren, Connor and Ethan Estey, and Penelope and Van Varga. Beyond her immediate family, Mia served as a guiding light and confidante to many others.

As the renowned writer and humanitarian Amadou Hampâté Bâ once eloquently stated, “Whenever an elder dies, a library burns down.” This adage aptly describes the profound impact of Mia’s passing. She possessed a sharp intellect and was an accomplished artist, embarking on extensive travels and cultivating an enduring passion for art, history, and literature. Mia was a devoted friend, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be deeply missed.

A private memorial will be held by the family. Donations in Eugenia Gerber’s memory may be made to The Western Monroe Historical Society. Checks can be made out to "Western Monroe Historical Society" and mailed to: Morgan Manning House, P.O. Box 144, Brockport, NY 14420. Donations can also be made online at morganmanninghouse.org.