Gloria Ann Pettersen

Pettersen, Gloria Ann SCHENECTADY Gloria Ann Pettersen, 73, of Schenectady, passed away on Wednesday evening, October 31, 2007 at her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Queens, N.Y. on March 16, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Helen Koch Holzwarth. She was raised and educated in Queens, and a graduate of Queens College, class of 1954, where she earned her B.S. in mathematics. She worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., in New York City in the actuarial department until moving to Schenectady after November 24, 1956, when she married Thomas P. Pettersen. She then went to work for Schenectady Hospice as a coordinator of volunteers, retiring in 1998. She continued to raise her family while volunteering as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. For over 50 years, Gloria was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving as an elder, vice-president and other deacon positions. There she taught Sunday school for over 35 years. Gloria was a founding board member for Schenectady Community Home, operating Joan Nicole Prince Home. She was also past president and served on the board of Schenectady Day Nursery and was a member of American Association for University Women. She is survived by her husband, Thomas P. Pettersen; two sons, Todd Pettersen of Schenectady and Paul Pettersen of Albany; two daughters, Christine (Michael) Baysinger of Pennsburg, Pa. and Ruth (Christopher) Stranick of Perkasie, Pa.; a brother, Richard Holzwarth of Montreal; and grandchildren, Jacob, Tess, and Luke Stranick, and Charissa Baysinger. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady followed by interment in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schenectady. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 4 until 8 p.m. at Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St. Schenectady. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Schenectady Community Home, P.O. Box 2122, Scotia, NY 12302; Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY; and/or Schenectady Day Nursery, 25 Lafayette St., Schenectady, NY 12305.