Gwendolyn Paige VanDerveer, 86, of Baldwinsville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022.
She worked in the offices of Morris Machine Works and Baldwinsville schools, then as an LPN in St. Joseph’s Hospital and private home care.
Gwen was born with a heart of gold, which was felt by everyone who knew her. After losing her love way too soon, she dedicated her life to caring for others. She was a life member of the Greater Baldwinsville Ambulance Corp (GBAC) and spent much of her time volunteering at her church at all the various events wherever there was a need, as well as many other organizations, which led to her being honored as Woman of the Year in 2018.
Gwen was a sweet and strong lady who loved nature and being outdoors, a love she passed on to her five children. She held a special place in her heart for the Grand Tetons, Wyoming, Idaho, and the Adirondacks. She enjoyed participating in most sports, especially tennis, bowling and golf, going to hockey and soccer games and watching tennis and football. Her more passive hobbies included gardening, bird watching, knitting, reading and crosswords.
Gwen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard VanDerveer; her parents, Bernard and Ruth Paige; brothers Ray, Bunk, Doug and Ron Paige; sister Joyce Prall; and sister-in-law Pauline Paige.
She is survived by her five children, Dan (Deb), Eric, Jay (Kelly), Wendy, and Cindy (Fred Bressette) VanDerveer; brothers Jim (Joyce), Ned, and Wayne (Elizabeth) Paige; sisters Marcia (John) Prall and Bobbie Cooper; sister-in-law Bev (Ray) Paige; brother-in-law Jack VanDerveer; grandchildren Cory (Samantha) VanDerveer, Alyssa (JJ) Potrikus, Shane (Lauren) Bressette, Dillon (Amanda Cooter) Bressette, Heath (Katie) Bressette, Sasha (Luke Chapin) Bressette; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 7, at the First Presbyterian Church in Baldwinsville.
Donations may be made to GBAC, 11 Albert Palmer Ln, Bville, NY 13027, or First Presbyterian Church, 64 Oswego St, Bville, NY 13027.
