Gail La Duke

NEW SCOTLAND – Gail S. La Duke, 57, of New Scotland, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2005, surrounded by the loving comfort of her family, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Born in Peru, NY, she remained in her hometown throughout her youth, living the good life on her family's dairy farm. Being raised on the farm with her four sisters and two brothers taught Gail the values of family, hard work, compassion, humor and empathy, all of which she held dear. After graduating from Peru High School in 1966, she began to pursue her life long dream of becoming a nurse at Albany Nursing School. She was a dedicated registered nurse working throughout the Capital District, including St. Clare's Hospital and Glendale Nursing Home until her retirement in 2002. In 1967 she met and married Thomas H. La Duke. Together they made a happy home and raised three children. Gail was always very giving of her time. She and her husband were boy scout leaders and little league coaches. She always supported charitable causes including the MS Society, Epilepsy Foundation and the Center for the Disabled among many, many others. In addition to frequent traveling and day trips exploring the world with her best friend, Lottie Page of Schenectady, Gail attended an annual "girls only" vacation with her sisters, mother and other family. Time spent with any or all of her girls was so very precious to Gail. She was an avid gardener and bird lover, spending countless hours tending to her flowers and vegetables. Gail had a special fondness for humming birds, creating a sanctuary that attracted many to her back yard. She cherished good times, laughter and love she shared so frequently with her family and friends. Her greatest joy in life came from time spent with her beloved grandchildren, Tommy, Emily, Paige and her little boo bear, Frankie. Gail is survived by her husband, Thomas H. La Duke. She is the beloved mother of Peter La Duke of Albany, Scott La Duke and his wife, Geraldine Logrillo of Glenmont and Stacy La Duke and her husband, Frank A. Palmeri, Jr. of East Berne. She is the loving sister of Jean Ryan and her husband, John, Janice Kennedy and her husband, Richard, Jerry Thew and his wife, Susan, Scott Thew and his wife, Nancy, Charis Duffina and her husband, Richard and Brenda Gushlaw and her husband, Randy. She is the cherished grandmother of Thomas J. La Duke, Emily La Duke, Paige Palmeri and Frank T. Palmeri. Also surviving is her favorite feline companion, Mr. Z. Gail was predeceased by her parents, Chester and Marion Thew and her mother-in-law, Myrtle La Duke.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Harkness Methodist Church in Harkness, NY. Interment will follow in West Peru Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Peru Cemetery Trust or the Center for the Disabled in memory of Gail S. La Duke.