Obituary of Gene Elizabeth Valk

Miss Gene Elizabeth Valk of Gloversville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady. She was born on August 19, 1924, the daughter of Edgar A. and Leona L. Albro Valk. Gene graduated from Gloversville High School and Oneonta State Teachers College with a Library Science Degree. She worked in the libraries of Triple Cities College of Syracuse University from 1948 to 1950, and at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute from 1950 to 1962. In 1962 she began a 19 year career as Head Librarian at Gloversville High School, retiring in 1981. In addition to her library work, Gene devoted a great portion of her life to the craft of Handweaving, becoming a Master Weaver. She has been well known throughout the area as a passionate and inspirational teacher of the craft. Her vast knowledge and experience have been passed on to her many students. In pursuit of her love of local history and textiles, Gene has been actively involved in a number of organizations including: Handweavers Guild of America, the Hudson-Mohawk Weaver's Guild, the Tryon Weaver's Guild, the Leatherstocking Spinner's Guild, Rocky Day Spinners, Adirondack Handweavers, Museum of American Textile History, Thousand Island Craft School and Textile Museum, Fort Klock Historic Restoration Trustee, Fulton County Historical Society former Trustee, Montgomery County Historical Society and the Dutch Barn Preservation Society. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gloversville. Gene is survived by her brother Vonley "John" Valk Barbara of Mayfield, a niece and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, also by her uncle Clyde Albro Beth, and her aunt Adaline Demott. Private burial took place today at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville. A memorial service and celebration of Gene's life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church, 16 W. Fulton St; or to the Fulton County Museum, 237 Kingsboro Ave; or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave; Gloversville, NY 12078. Arrangements are by Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville. Please visit the family's online guest book at www.brbsfuneral.com