Obituary of Barbara Joan Gruft

BARBARA J. GRUFT 1937-2011 Barbara J. Bender Gruft, age 74 of Latham, NY died on Monday morning, August 8, 2011 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Barbara was a Capital District resident most of her life. At the time of her passing she had been employed as the office manager at the Ohav Shalom Apartments in Alban y, a position she held for more than 30 years. She was a member of Congregation Ohav Shalom and their sisterhood and Abigail #3 UOTS in Albany. Barbara enjoyed playing mahjong and played in many tournaments. She also enjoyed participating in aerobics. Mostly she enjoyed attending sporting events, musicals, concerts and any activities involving her grandchildren. Barbara was married to Dr. Howard Gruft until his passing in 1986. Loving Mother of Richard Gruft and his wife Jacqueline of Latham, NY, Bonnie Matson of Latham and Jill Schaal and her husband Randy of Oneida, NY. Cherished grandmother of Mark and Scott Matson, Joshua and Kevin Gruft and Howard and Tessa Schaal. Sister-in-law of Shelly and Jeff Bennett of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Barbara also leaves her companion of 14 years, Bob Casillo of Albany, NY. Services at Congregation Ohav Shalom, 113 New Krumkill Road in Albany on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 11:00am. Interment will follow in the Ohav Shalom Cemetery on Church Road in Guilderland. The period of mourning will be observed at the Gruft residence, 42 Fairlawn Drive in Latham, NY following the service of interment and on Thursday commencing at 4:00pm. Those wishing to remember Barbara in a special way may make a memorial contribution to Congregation Ohav Shalom or the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, 315 South Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.