Mary A. Gottschalk

LOUDONVILLE – Mary A. Gottschalk, 88, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 24, 2012 in Simi Valley, CA with her daughter and granddaughter at her side. Mary was a longtime Loudonville and Latham resident recently moving to Simi Valley, CA with her daughter to be near her loving granddaughter.
Mary was born on June 23, 1923 in Troy and was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary Ayers. She attended St Bridget's School and Catholic Central High School. Mary worked as a Key Punch Operator until marrying her beloved husband of 60 years, Baltus A. Gottschalk.
Mary, better known as "Nan" to her loved ones, was an exceptional homemaker and loving mother and grandmother. She was a parishioner of St. Pius X Church for over 60 years. Nan adored her little dachshund Heidi, and loved cats. She also enjoyed baking, reading, watching movies, attending plays, eating out and she loved the Mets. Our Nan will be remembered as a loving and caring person who thought of others before herself.
The family would like to thank Paul McCarran, Eucharistic Minister, for his many years of friendship and service to both Mary and Baltus Gottschalk. The family would also like to thank Dr. Michael Scher for the great care he provided for Mary in NY, and ongoing support even long-distance in California, and Dr. Ojen Masrour-Rod, in West Hills, California, for his compassion and care. Also, the family sends thanks to Vitas Hospice for helping Mary achieve her goal to spend her last days at home in comfort.
Mary is survived by her children, Sharon A. Grant of Colonie, Anna M. McClane of Simi Valley California, Mary C. Gottschalk of Menands and Robert A. Gottschalk of Warwick, NY; grandchildren Michael A. DeSanta of Port Jervis, NY, Christine A. McClane of Northridge, CA and Stephanie Gottschalk of Warwick, NY, and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Baltus A. Gottschalk and her sisters, Josephine Dwyer, Anna Ryan, Laura Fredenburgh and Barbara Acquard.
Funeral services will be 9:00 a.m. Friday at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, then to St. Pius X Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory Gardens in Colonie.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mary A. Gottschalk may be made to St. Pius X Parish (Eucharistic Ministry), 23 Crumitie Road, Loundonville, NY 12211, or Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, 16830 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436.