Gertrude I. Colgan

Gertrude I. Colgan DelansonGertrude I. Colgan, age 67, of Schenectady County, passed away August 28th after a valiant fight against liver disease. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Colgan who predeceased her, as did her brother, William and sister, Barbara. For 15 years, Gertrude was a Dominican Sister of Sparkill. She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College, began her career as an elementary school teacher at Madeleine Sophie School in Guilderland, and then furthered her studies at Fordham University where she obtained her master's in social work. Throughout her career, she was devoted to making a positive difference in the lives of others, specializing in addictions and family therapy. During that career, she was a director of Next Step and of the SPARC Program at St. Peter's Hospital. In recent years, she was the program director at Hope Club (formerly Gilda's Club). She maintained a private counseling practice in both the Hudson Valley and Albany area for over 30 years, and in recent years obtained her certification as a massage therapist. Gert's kind heart and broad smile brought light and laughter to the lives of those who knew her. She was also devoted to her pets, including the puppies she raised for Guiding Eyes. She loved travel, nature, roses, and spending quiet time at home, especially in her sunroom that overlooked the tall trees in her back yard. In 2009, Gertrude legally married Linda Sancho, her partner of 30 years. During their years together, they carved a tapestry of wonderful memories with their families and friends, giving those of us she leaves behind a smile whenever we think of her. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Bertolini of Rockaway Beach NY; her brother, Thomas Colgan of Ohio; her sister-in-law, Nancy Colgan of Hackettstown NJ; and many nieces, nephews and loving friends. Family and friends are invited to call at Guilderland's DeMarco Stone Funeral Home Inc., 5216 Western Turnpike (Route 20) on Friday, August 30, 2013 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at St. Madeleine Sophie Church, Carman Road. Interment will be private. The family wants to thank the nursing staff at St. Peter's Hospital for their skilled care and attention during Gert's stay there. Their kindness will also be remembered. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Gertrude's name to Hope Club, One Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 424 Madison Avenue, Room 600, New York, NY 10017.