Beverly A. Wait

Beverly A. Wait Rotterdam Beverly A. Wait, 91, died Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Glendale Nursing Home. Mrs. Wait was born in Schenectady, May 16, 1932 to the late John and Janet Greenwood and resided in Rotterdam most of her life. She was happily married to Paul H. Wait, whom she married in August 1941, until his death in July 1995. They were only apart during his service in the Pacific during World War II. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Nancy J. Wait; and two sisters, Rita Blackstone and Norma Crampton. She is survived by her daughter, Gail B. Leonard of Guilderland and son, David P. (Sally Shave Wait) Wait of Glenville; three grandchildren, Christopher (Janna) Shillinglow of Voorheesville, Heather Shillinglow-(Matthew) Johnson of Collinsville, IL, Chelsea (Leo Valdivieso) Wait of Piscataway, NJ; and two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Daniel Shillinglow, both of Voorheesville. Early in her marriage Mrs. Wait was primarily a homemaker but spent much of her time volunteering at the Carman United Methodist Church. She stayed very active with the church most of her life and engaged in many church projects with her close friend, Alice Wheeler. She began working outside the home, which included working at the postal branch in Carman before it was phased out. She went on to work at Mohonasen High School where she was encouraged to go beyond her high school diploma from Draper High School. She graduated from Albany Junior College in 1968 with honors. Later, she worked at the Union College library and while there, she graduated from Union with a bachelor's degree in history. Later in life she returned to volunteer work. She volunteered for Hospice and as a literacy tutor in English as a second language (ESL) and finally, as a chaplains aide at Ellis Hospital. Beverly enjoyed traveling and camping with Paul and her children. She started by visiting extended family and friends across the country. Trips to see her good friend, Mary Birch, and Mary's family often allowed her to indulge her love of history and visiting historical sites. She also was able to take a Caribbean cruise, a trip to Hawaii and Europe with Paul. After the death of her husband, she was able to take a trip to Italy with her daughter, Gail. She also enjoyed camping, first with family then with her daughter, Nancy. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday morning, April 18 at 11 at the Carman United Methodist Church, 2350 Hamburg St., Rotterdam, with a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Carman United Methodist Church or to Community Hospice of Schenectady, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or to the charity of one's choice would be appreciated. The family of Beverly Wait extends our deep gratitude to the staff at Glendale Nursing and the team from Hospice who provided great care for her.