Gertrude L Gardiner

Gertrude L. "Trudy" Gardiner 80 of Rotterdam died Friday June 20, 2008 at Albany Medical Center. Born in Oneonta, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Florence Place. Raised in Windsor, Canada, She returned to Schenectady in 1947and lived there until her death. Trudy earned a GED for Linton High School and later graduated from Spencer Business Institute Secretarial course. A mother and homemaker, she worked at a WWII plant in Canada, worked various other jobs and later worked as a Home Health Aide at Eddy Community Care until her retirement at age 70. She joined Schenectady Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 357 in 1954 and is a life member. Trudy was extremely active holding numerous appointments throughout her lifetime. She was President for two terms from 56-57 and 77-78, President of Schenectady Schoharie Counties Council from 65-66 and 96-97, President of District 3 VFW Ladies Auxiliary 83-84, a volunteer at Samuel Stratton V.A. Medical Center and was chosen District President of the Year by the Dept. of N.Y. VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Gertrude was predeceased by her husband's Bobbie Fay and Herbert Gardiner, a daughter Lorraine Shaw, a sister Mabel Appel and brother Deward Place. Survivors include her children Bruce Fay of Arly, Ala, Robert Fay of Hallyville, Ala. and Florence Esman of Schenectady, her long time companion John (Jack) Stewart of Rotterdam, 8 grandchildren, Theodore Fay, Robert Fay, Tamara Dinger, Tammy Carlisle, Philip Esman, James Esman, Michael Melcher and Max Fay Cleary and 3 great grandchildren, J'Lynn Esman and Mathew and Madeline Melcher. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday afternoon June 24th at 2 pm at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Ave., Schenectady. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5 to 8 pm. Interment in Evergreen Memorial Park. Contributions to Haven of Schenectady, 703 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12305.