Gage, Sarah Elizabeth Witbeck

NISKAYUNA — Sarah Elizabeth Witbeck Gage, 101, passed away peacefully at home in Niskayuna, on January 13, 2018, with her family by her side. Known as Sally, she was the daughter of William Charles and Annette (Hartmann) Witbeck and was born on August 4, 1916, in Schenectady.

As a young girl in Schenectady, Sally attended Elmer Avenue Elementary School and Nott Terrace High School. She was an avid horse rider and was active in school theater and academic organizations. Sally was a 1939 graduate of Russell Sage College in Troy.

Sally was always passionate about fashion. After college she resided at the Barbizon in New York City while working for Vogue magazine and contributing to the World War II USO war effort. She received a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of the State of New York and pursued additional studies at Columbia University.

Embarking on her career in education, Sally developed an innovative program to teach gifted children in the Schalmont School District. During this time, Sally met the love of her life, attorney James "Jim" L. Gage. The two were married in 1960 and enjoyed 31 years together until Jim’s death.

Sally loved the arts, including music, theater, ballet, cinema, poetry and prose, and was an extremely talented gardener who maintained beautiful grounds at her home with Jim in Esperance, N.Y. She was a master designer, student, and teacher of the Sogetsu School tradition of Japanese flowerarranging. Sally taught flower design for several years and was asked to participate in the Sogetsu tradition of honoring its finest students at a ceremony in Japan. She enjoyed traveling and was able to see much of the world with her beloved husband Jim, and later with her dear friend Mary Pedone. Sally was active in social organizations, such as Schenectady’s Mohawk Golf Club and Queen’s Fort. She also supported several organizations in Schenectady that she cared for dearly, including Ellis Hospital and Union College, alma mater of her brother and husband.

Sally was predeceased by

p y her parents, her brother William Henry Witbeck; nephew Andrew Page Witbeck; and stepson James Gage Jr. She is survived by her stepdaughter Marion Gage Crandall; her nieces, Sarah Louise Witbeck (Jacqueline Robotti) and Anneke Witbeck Mcevoy (Christopher); her nephew William Charles Witbeck (Emily); as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express deepest thanks to the wonderful caregivers who were such an integral part of Sally’s life during her final years.

A memorial service will be held in St. George’s Church in Schenectady on Friday, May 18, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Foundation for Ellis Medicine at 1101 Nott St., Schenectady, NY, 12308.

To leave condolence messages please visit jonesfh.net son in 2004; and her brother, Herman Bronstein in 1976. Shirley’s legacy is her cherished family including her children, Phyllis Jacobsonkram (David), Larry Jacobson (Amy) and Steven Jacobson (Mel). Grandmother of Lori Field (Seth), Rachel Viquez (Roger), Ashley Hoffman, (Adam), Stacy Donnelly and Paula Jacobson; great-grandmother of Avery Field, Jonah Field, Hunter Hoffman, Lily Donnelly and Tali Viquez.

Ms. Jacobson will be remembered as a shining light in the communities she served and many lives she touched.

Services will be held in the Temple Israel Cemetery, 1626 Western Ave., Guilderland on Monday, May 14, at 11 a.m.

Friends and relatives are invited to a lunch reception to celebrate Shirley’s life at Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Ave., Schenectady on Monday following the funeral service. The family will remain at the Temple to receive friends and relatives until 4 p.m. on Monday after which the period of mourning will resume at the Temple Gates of Heaven from 7-9 p.m.

Those wishing to remember Shirley may make a memorial contribution to Visiting Nurse Hospice, 2180 Empire Blvd, Webster, NY, 14580.

For directions or to leave a condolence message for the family, please visit, levineme morialchapel.com p p

Ruth was a graduate of St. Ursula’s Academy and Spencer Business School in Kingston. She worked for the State University of New York’s University-wide Programs in the Arts and prior to that for the N.Y.S. Legislative Index.

Ruth was an avid reader known for her quick wit and excellent memory. After she retired, she volunteered for the Capital District American Diabetic Association. She received their Volunteer of the Year Award in 1992. She was a parishioner at Holy Family Parish in Albany and also a member of “The Sewing Club,” a group of neighborhood women who started meeting one evening a week in the 1950’s and became lifelong friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ruth’s family on Monday, May 14, from 4-7 p.m. in the Mcveigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany. Funeral services and interment will be held privately. Those wishing to remember Ruth in a special way may send a contribution to the charity of your choice.

To leave a message for the family, please visit www. Mcveighfuneralhome.com

g Church, Albany. He was a good-hearted man, helping many friends and charities. Frank was an avid sport fan and especially enjoyed the Boston Red Sox and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He also was an animal lover.

Frank enjoyed a long-time association and friendship with the family of William Hearley Sr.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Frank’s family on Saturday, May 12, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Mcveigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany. His funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany. The Rite of Committal will be held in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery immediately following the funeral Mass. Those wishing to remember Frank in a special way may send a contribution to Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry, 607 Central Ave., Albany, NY, 12206

To leave a message for the family, please visit www. Mcveighfuneralhome.com

y ers, Thomas, Daniel and Robert Ryan, all of Camillus; several cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and their families; many dear friends and colleagues, especially the St. Mary’s Healthcare Family in Amsterdam; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister and brother, Martha Harwood and Michael Ryan.

Sister Mary Johanna’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, May 14, at 10:30 a.m. from the chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Sunday, May 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Contributions in Sister Mary Johanna’s memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY, 12110.

For information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www. dufresneandcavanaugh.com.