Grace Gaige

Grace Carpenter Gaige

90 years young, of Burdett, passed away peacefully at her home, of 63 years, with her family by her side, on Friday, September 17, 2010.

She was the daughter of Millard and Ruth Carpenter, also life long residents of Burdett. Her family would like express their sincere thanks to the NHTD Program and all the girls from Stafking and Hospice, who made it possible for us to honor the wishes of Mom to stay in her home. Grace had worked for 4-H for many years, helping with Hidden Valley 4-H summer camps, youth fairs and leading 4-H clubs. She loved sewing and spent many hours sewing for herself, her children and grandchildren. She was retired from the Watkins Glen School District. Grace's greatest love was her family and friends. Her happiest times were whenever they were with her. Christmas was her favorite holiday, especially with all her children and grandchildren around her. She loved to work in her yard and flower gardens, swim in her pool, play piano, bake chocolate chip cookies and rake the fall leaves. She also had a special love for her cat, Molly and any stray that entered her yard. She was the matriarch for all of the family and instilled this love of animals, fun vacations, big gatherings of friends and family and simple quiet evenings on the porch. Grace, and her zest for life, will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Roland; a sister, Madge Preston; daughter-in-law, Susan Gaige; and son-in-law, Lee Gage. Grace is survived by her daughters, Joyce Gage, Jeanne (William) Baker; sons, Daniel (Lorraine) Gaige and Thomas Gaige. She is also survived by her sister, Helen C. Hammond; grandchildren, Jennifer (Russell) Stirrup, Renee` (Greg) Flaxmayer, Andrew (Yukako Kato) Gage, Jason, Erika, David, James and Christen Gaige; great- granddaughter Olivia Stirrup; and sister-in-law Yolanda Ackley; along with many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Friday, September 24th, 6-8pm at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen with a funeral service on Saturday at 2:00pm at the funeral home, followed with burial at Hector Union Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to Grace's home afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Southern Tier Hospice or the Schuyler County Humane Society. You may view her memorial or express your condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.