Obituary of Gertrude Bishop

Voorheesville - Gertrude Bishop, born on October 28, 1930 to the late Patrick and Grace O’Brien, passed away on November 16, 2018. Gertrude grew up in Ravena, NY and graduated from Ravena High School in 1948.  As a young woman, Gertrude worked as an executive secretary at Sterling Winthrop Research Institute and later dedicated her life to raising a family.  Gertrude was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Howard; her brothers Jack and Robert O’Brien along with her sisters Emma Long and Marie Hughes. Survivors include her Sons, Thomas W. Bishop (Melinda) and Scott J. Bishop (Doreen). Also surviving are her Granddaughter’s Krista Hillicoss (Rich), Amy Scharff (Chris), Keri Freiler, Kelly Owens, and Schuyler Ryan (Patrick) along with Great Grandchildren Jonathan, Joshua, Benjamin, Derek, Alyssa, Andrew and Cameron.

Gertie, as she was known to friends and family, was passionate about growing and arranging flowers.  Earlier in life, she was a dedicated member of the Hudson Valley Garden Club where she was known for her award winning table and floral arrangements. She was also a member of the Embroiders Guild for many years. Gertie enjoyed travel and playing the slot machines at various casinos.  She loved the game of baseball and her trips to Fenway Park. It was a sad day when Heritage Park in Colonie was torn down; her and Howard were season ticket holders and rooted for every team that played in Colonie. She thoroughly enjoyed watching every Red Sox game on TV with Howard.  She pulled her last one arm bandit on her 88th birthday, the same day her beloved Red Sox clinched the 2018 World Series.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 23 from 4 to 7 PM at Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Voorheesville. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 24 at St. Matthew’s Church, 25 Mountainview St., Voorheesville, NY 12186. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Donations in Gertrude’s memory may be made to Saint Matthews Church.