Avus M. Gerlach, 93, passed away on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013, at Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scotia surrounded by her family. Avus was born in Gloversville, N.Y., and she was the daughter of John and Frances Mielentz of Johnstown, N.Y.
She was a graduate of Johnstown High School, Albany Business College, and attended Syracuse University.
Avus served as a recruiter in the WACS during World War II. She retired as an administrative assistant in 1990 from the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation.
She enjoyed needlepoint, making her own clothing and was an avid gardener, golfer, traveler, birder and painter. Much of her art work was displayed at Coburg Village where she resided for a number of years. Her pastoral watercolor, “Peace: A Small Town” was chosen for the front of the Coburg corporate Christmas card in 2010.
She is survived by: her son, John (Peg) Mackey of Rexford; a granddaughter, Lynn (Mark) Donnelly of Ballston Spa; a grandson, Jeremiah (Jes) Mackey of Glenville. She was a loving great-grandmother of Hadley Donnelly, Estella, Maxwell and Elaine Mackey.
The family thanks the staff of Baptist S2 for their caring and compassion for our mother.
A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda, N.Y. at a time to be announced by the Ehle Funeral Home, 15 N. William St., Johnstown, N .Y.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1930 Hillside Ave., Niskayuna, N.Y.
