Surrounded by loving family members this past week, Gertrude L. Popek of Oneonta has now gone to take her place in heaven on September 14, 2010, she was 92 but would have turned 93 on 9/17. "Babe" as she was affectionately called, moved to Oneonta in 2000 from Garfield, NJ, where she lived since birth, and worked at Garfield High School for many years. In 2001, she lost her beloved husband of 61 years, Walter.

Babe was an extraordinary soul, filled with love, compassion and unparalleled strength. She converted to the Catholic faith when she married Walter, and her new faith carried her through any hardships in her life. Her 2 favorite saints St. Jude and St. Anthony were called on often by her to fix impossible situations and find long lost items, and we were all amazed when they came though for her time after time. But her love of family was her biggest strength. Babe's children and grandchildren were her life, and always came first in her eyes. Her children grew up in a loving home with Mom's never ending love and support. The house was always filled with family and friends and Mom cooking up a scrumptious treat. Friday night was waffles and ice cream night for all the neighborhood kids. Everyone was treated as a member of the family.

When the grandchildren came, Grandma's heart grew to embrace each and every one, giving them the love and support that was her custom. Each of them know of the twinkle in Grandma's eye, and the feel of her arms surrounding them. She was always young at heart, so her connection to the kids was instant. Grandma was always there for whatever they needed.

Great grandchildren were an added bonus to Babe. She had an ongoing contest with her sister, Edna. Edna won, but Babe got three beautiful great granddaughters, and couldn't have been more proud. When she saw pictures, she would just sit and touch their faces, overcome with pride.

Babe was predeceased by her husband, Walter, also her son Walter, Jr. Her sister Edna Gertz lives in Delhi.

She is survived by three children, Jane and husband Dr. Kenneth Deuel of FL, Ellie and husband Ernie Kinch of Walton, and Peter and wife Connie Popek of Otego. 8 grandchildren, Walter and wife Sharon Popek of TN, Jessica Popek of TN, Jed Popek of CA, Rachel(Kinch) and husband Bill Burtner of Walton, Allison Kinch of Sidney Center, Michael and wife Emily Popek of Oneonta, Kelly Popek and fiancé Matthew Sisson of Oneonta, and Lindsey(Popek) and husband Ryan Meys of Livonia, NY; 3 great-grandchildren, Morgan Jane and Chloe Jean Meys of Livonia, and Peyton Marie Sisson of Oneonta. Vinnie Donadio was also Babe's honorary grandson, as he never failed to visit her while in town, and called her his "Grandma".

A quiet family graveside service will be held at 11a.m. Monday, September 20, 2010 at Mt. Cavalry, with Father Joseph Benintende of her St. Mary's Parish officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley and Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St. Oneonta is serving the family lovingly.

We'll meet you in heaven, Grandma!