Obituary of Gladys O. Van Zandt

Gladys Orcelia Van Zandt Skipper, 94, of Wallins Corners Rd., Amsterdam, NY passed away Thursday, February 22, 2007 at home following a long illness. Born in West Galway, NY on September 5, 1912 she was the daughter of the late George and Mattie Eaton. Gladys graduated from Galway High School in 1928. She graduated from the Oneonta Normal School and the Broadalbin Teacher's Training Class and began her teaching career in 1930 at the Hoesville School in West Galway. She married Forrest W. Van Zandt on July 24, 1938. She then became a homemaker until she and her husband built & operated Van's Flavorland in Galway. She went back to teaching 1st grade at Galway elementary school in 1961, retiring in 1972. She was a member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of West Galway. Gladys loved her church, gardening and oil painting. She was a dedicated teacher and always cared deeply about her students. A special thank you to Joyce Brooks, Louella Obrien and Beverly Eaton for the special care given to Gladys over the last few years. Gladys' husband Forrest passed away on October 12, 1971. Survivor's include, two daughters, Judith Litto of New York City and Joyce Gorman of Amsterdam. Four grandchildren, Michael HopeGorman of Springfield MA, Greg Gorman of New York City, Cara Gorman of Burlington, VT and Teo Litto Of California, Two great-grandchildren Matthew and Isabella Gorman; a sister Betty Millington, sister in laws Beverly Eaton and Frances Van Zandt. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Robert and Jack Eaton, a sister Thelma Michelfelder and son in law Gary Gorman. Funeral services will be held on Monday February 26, 2007 at 11:00A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of West Galway, 2972 County Highway 107, Amsterdam, NY with Rev. John Califano officiating. Interment will be in the spring in West Galway Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday February 25, 2007 from 2:00P.M. to 5:00P.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. Contributions may be made in her memory to the First Presbyterian Church of West Galway, 2972 County Highway 107, Amsterdam, NY 12010.