Maija Neimanis

Maija (nee Skrulis) Neimanis, 75 years old, passed away peacefully at home on November 20 after a head injury in April. Maija was born in Latvia, raised in Albany and graduated from Russell Sage in 1961. She was an award winning costume designer for 20 years (including in Academy Award documentary "Norman Rockwell's World... An American Dream".) But that was only her first career, she later became a jewelry designer and was chosen by her peers to be among the "Top 100 American Designer Jewelry Artists", specializing in contemporary 22K gold jewelry using ancient techniques. She retired to live in Windham in 1999 but still maintained a jewelry studio in NYC for many years. She was active in our community (Yoga, Arts Alliance, Book Club, etc.) as well as the Elka Park Latvian community activities. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Andris. Calling hours will be held at Decker Funeral Home in Windham NY on Friday November 27 from 1 to 3 PM. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3 PM.