Edna Gerthoffer van der Ven (Cole), 93, formerly of Fayetteville, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. She lived in Fayetteville for 57 years before moving to the Nottingham in 2010 after the death of her husband, Ted.
Edna was born in Syracuse to William and Agnes Cole. She graduated from Minoa High School and attended CCBI (Central City Business Institute). She married Norbert Gerthoffer in 1947. She worked many years as a secretary and retired from General Electric in 1953 when they started their family.
She was a homemaker and stayed home to care for her children. When the youngest child started school in 1969, she went to work for the Fayetteville Manlius School District, retiring in 1992 after 23 years.
In 1992, she married Ted van der Ven. They stayed very active over the years, doing volunteer services at many different places, including Fayetteville and Manlius Senior Centers, Christ Retreat House, IC Church in Fayetteville and the New York Senior Games. They also took yearly trips and cruises.
She is predeceased by six brothers and sisters; husbands, Norbert Gerthoffer and Ted van der Ven; and son, Thomas Gerthoffer in 2017.
Edna is survived by her three children, Julie (James) Higgins, Joan (Frank Nourse) Gerthoffer, Carol (Anthony) Asiaghi; two stepsons, Guido (Nancy) and Siem (Kate) van der Ven; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at the Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, 7191 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. A service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt.
For a guest book, directions and florists, please visit scheppfamily.com.