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Virginia B. Gilbertson

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University at Albany

Virginia Gilbertson Obituary

Gilbertson, Virginia B. LATHAM Virginia B. Gilbertson, 62, passed away February 10, 2008 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on March 25, 1945. Ginny was a deeply faithful woman with a strong commitment to service. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities over the years, including lay leader, bell choir member, disciple class instructor, finance committee member, and assisted with the refugee resettlement program. She volunteered and worked for Literacy Volunteers of America for many years. For the last ten years, she worked as a trainer for the Research Foundation at the University at Albany. She was an excellent trainer and recently received a Trainer of the Year award. She enjoyed canoeing and kayaking, going to the movies with friends, water aerobics, crossword puzzles, reading, keeping in touch with her many friends all over the world, and was a member of the Red Hat Society. She also enjoyed traveling, including her annual week at Brant Lake, visits to Fla., and trips to Europe with friends. She is survived by her daughter, Susanna Gilbertson and Susanna's partner Michael Froehlich of Philadelphia, Pa.; her son, Andrew Gilbertson and his wife Bonnie of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and her cousin, Donna Weinberg of Fort Myers, Fla. She is also survived by many devoted friends, her church family, and her cat, Cassie. Ginny fought a ferocious battle against multiple myeloma over the past six months. Her strength and bravery in the face of this painful disease was an inspiration to all those around her. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Peter's Hospital and the Community Hospice Inn for their compassion and excellent care of Ginny. Calling hours will be on Friday, February 15 at Bowen Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church Saturday, February 16 at 10 a.m. with interment in Albany Rural Cemetery to follow. Memorial contributions may be made in Ginny's memory to the Church, Society and Missions Committee at Calvary United Methodist Church, 15 Ridge Place, Latham, NY 12110. Condolence book and directions at BowenFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on Feb. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Gilbertson

20 Entries

Gary Proulx

February 25, 2008

Farewell Ginny. You taught me much about love and I will never forget you.

Peace,
Gary

Ana Lisa Yoder

February 20, 2008

What a wonderful testament to your mother, Susanna. You clearly inherited many of her talents. I know she will be deeply missed.

Stefan Strassfeld

February 19, 2008

Susanna - I remember the first time I met your mom when she visited our house on Hermann Street. While many folks were a little overwhelmed by our collective lifestyle, your mom was funny, warm, and I think sort of amused. She was a vivid funny person, and may her memory be a blessing to you, Mike, and your family.

Lisa DeMarco(Borysewicz)

February 16, 2008

Sue
I remember all times we had in girl scouts and how your mom helped us out with alot of stuff,I'am so sorry for your lost. You and your brother are in my prayers.

February 15, 2008

I had the pleasure and the honor of working with Ginny who was a wonderful teacher and a warm human being, She loved her children, of whom she spoke often, very much and took pride in their blossoming into adulthood.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Janis Higgins

Dottie Norvik

February 15, 2008

Sue and Andy - My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful, caring woman with a heart of gold.

Ryan and Christina Wilkes

February 14, 2008

Sue and Andy - Our condolences to you on your loss. We'll be keeping you in our prayers.

Jenna Myers

February 14, 2008

Sue,
My thoughts are with you and Andy at this time. I have many fond memories of your mom, from church, to dance, to water aerobics at Shaker. She will be missed.
Jenna Jensen Myers and family

Nafisa Abbas Amin

February 14, 2008

Dear Sue and Family,
We were deeply saddened by your sudden loss. Your mom was a strong woman and we will always remember her smiling face and kind nature.
May God give you the strength.

Elizabeth M

February 14, 2008

I met you mom one year ago and had the pleasure of being one of her 'students' in a training. Her warmth and generosity of spirit were so palpable that I'm certain she spread that far and wide, making our world a better place for having her in it.

Monica and Paul Wilkes

February 13, 2008

Sue and Andy,

Having met your mom through Anne and the mother's lunch group, we continued to maintain a long lasting friendship for more than 30 years, sharing many common interests including Shaker events and, most recently, Girl Scouts and the Scarlet Ladies Red Hat Group. Your mom was an inspiration to others through her commitment and unconditional service to many deserving groups. Her recognitions for most valuable trainer and woman of the year were honors that few can achieve, but humbly accepted by your mom. They certainly exemplified your mother's spirit of dedication and excellence! We're sad to see her leave our wordly life and saddened by your deep loss, but we are convinced that with her deep faith, she is in everlasting happiness, smiling at us as her picture aptly portrays.

Sincerely,

Jessica (Wilkes) Kosanovich

February 13, 2008

Sue and Andy,

Your mom was always an amazing spirit to be around. She will certainly be missed and our heartfelt sympathies go out to you.

Rose Ann Savage

February 13, 2008

Sue & Andrew and families, I am so sorry for our loss. Ginny was such a wonderful person. An inspiration with her strength and faith and also her humor during difficult times. I will miss her.

Donna Schofield

February 13, 2008

Sue and Andrew,

I am shocked and truly saddened. I often think of all of the good times we had in Girl Scouts and how your mother always kept us on track. She was a wonderful women and I know your fond memories will help to get you through this difficult time.

Lou Ann and Mike Connelly

February 13, 2008

Your mom will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories. It was a privilege to know her and be her friend.

Ellen Rupert

February 13, 2008

To Ginny's family,
This was such a shock to me. I met your Mom at water aerobics a few years ago and always enjoyed talking with her during classes. She had such a positive attitude and was enthusiastic about her job family and outside interests. We shared our love of training and she often spoke lovingly of her family. The last time I saw her she told me about her back pain and how she was suffering so and I was wondering why I hadn't seen her at swimming. I am sorry that I didn'tknow she was sick. You are blessed to have such a wonderful Mom. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dawn Perry

February 13, 2008

I'm am so sad to hear of Ginny's death. We shared many happy hours gabbing in the Shaker pool about trips and children. How she loved you! My condolences.

Arthur Copeland

February 13, 2008

Arthur Copeland - I worked at PDP with Ginny over the last 7 years and grew to be so found of her. Her positive spirit and sense of humor kept me going on many an occassion. I have and will truly miss her. My deepest sympathy to family and friends. I am so sorry, but will be away the entire weekend and so will not be able to attend the wake or funeral. Ginny has and will be in my prayers.

Denise Wiggins

February 13, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

The Lieman Family

February 13, 2008

Getting in touch with old friends/ co-workers recently, this certainly came as shocking news. She will be dearly missed...

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