Laura M. Gower

Gower, Laura M. SCHENECTADY Laura M. Gower passed away Sunday, October 12, 2008 at the age of 96. She was born in Utica, N.Y., to George H. and Gertrude Eicke Banker and lived in the Schenectady area most of her life. She was a longtime member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Schenectady. Laura worked for many years with her husband in their home construction business, and together they build a camp on Lake George that they loved and enjoyed for many years before passing it on to their sons for their families to love and enjoy. Wife of the late John Edward Gower who predeceased her in 2001 just two months after celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Also predeceased by a brother, Walter Banker. She is survived by her loving sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Marilyn of Loudonville and Leonard and Barbara of Alplaus; her beloved grandchildren, Stephen (Eileen) Gower of Delmar, Susan (Michael) Barranca of Delmar, BethAnn (Russell) VanBuren of Alplaus, Marcy (Matthew) Sickler of Alplaus, Sharon (Ernest) Small of Alplaus, and Lindy Gower of Scotia. Also survived by 13 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Helen Mahoney of Ballston Spa; several nieces and nephews. Laura's granddaughter, Beth Ann, had been her primary caregiver for several years. The family appreciates and is thankful for the special care given to her by her many other caregivers, enabling her to pass on peacefully at home. They would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Schenectady County Hospice and Dr. Arthur Lee. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 11:30 a.m. at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., East Glenville with Revs. Ken McHeard and Michael Alford officiating. A calling hour will be held Wednesday prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park in Colonie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone who wishes, may send a contribution in Laura's memory to either Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308 or to City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305. On-line condolences and special messages to the Gower Family at www.glenvillefuneralhome.com