SCHENECTADY- Nita June Borland, age 89, passed away on May 20, 2022. She was born to James Borland and (Bernadette) Frances Smith on May 15, 1933. Nita attended Albany Public Schools, graduated from Albany High School and later moved to Schenectady with her family. She worked for the State of New York for 37 years, retiring from the Dept. of Social Services in 1989.

Nita’s true passion was the arts. She started writing poetry in her teens and began painting at the age of 21. Two of her poems are copyrighted and her paintings have been exhibited in galleries and at events throughout the Capital region and neighboring states. Nita loved music, dancing, cooking and reading. Nita was fascinated by different cultures and religions and became a world traveler. She contributed to numerous charities and served as a volunteer at several non-profit organizations. Over the years, she received awards of recognition from the NAACP, Black Dimensions in Art, Inc., Boystown, and St. Josephs Indian School. Post retirement, Nita devoted herself totally to art. She served as Gallery Coordinator for Hamilton Hill Arts Center and later as Office Manager for Black Dimensions in Art, Inc.

She was affectionately known to most family members as “Aunt June” and will be remembered as the supportive and loyal family matriarch who performed her signature dance shoulder shrugs up to the bittersweet end.

Nita was predeceased in death by her parents, James and Frances Borland; her brothers, Jackie and Joseph Borland; her sisters, Rossetta Blanton and Rita Frazier and her beloved friend and travel partner, Ethel Allen.

She is survived by her sons: Keith Tillery (Barbara Parker) and William Turner (Maureen Crocker); brother, James Borland; beloved nephew, Don Miles; devoted nieces: Jina Blanton (Rodney Freeman), Jo-El Blanton and Anna Fulton; 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, along with a host of special nieces, nephews and other family members.

A celebration of Nita’s life will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 2 to 3 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY. The family will receive visitors prior to the celebration from 1-2 pm.