Obituary of Rita Septer
Rita Septer (Pollack), age 85 of Albany, NY passed away peacefully on September 13th, 2019 at St. Peters hospital in a room crowded with her loving extended family.In many ways, her final hours in this life were a tribute to the times she treasured most, surrounded by family and old friends, telling stories of years gone by and filling the room and her heart with laughter, tears and love.
Born on March 7th 1934 to Harry and Paula Pollack, Rita grew up in Nassau, New York and was a graduate of Columbia High School.Rita was married to David Septer until he predeceased her. Together they had three children: Linda (who predeceased her), Tracy and Steven. Eleven years after David’s death, Rita and Al Gran began a 32 year journey together filled with love.
Rita worked numerous jobs but eventually wound up with the US Postal Service. After a (too) long career, she retired in 1999.
Rita thrived in a life of service, freely giving of both time and talents. Service to family and friends fulfilled part of her giving nature. She was a weekly volunteer at Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob Bingo for more than 30 years. For over 15 years she volunteered at multiple food pantries, providing produce from the regional food bank.
She prepared and delivered food, especially her famous matzah ball soup, to multiple individuals undergoing cancer treatments. The conversations and visits served to warm the body and spirit.
Rita was known for her unconditional love of family and friends. Her warmth, friendliness and outgoing nature fostered quick but long term connections with a large diverse group of friends.
Her mission in life was to make sure that her family was taken care, loved and most importantly well fed. No one who went to her house ever left hungry.
Survivors include: Husband Al Gran, Children: Steven (Sherri) and Tracey
Step-children: Michael Gran (Ina), Richard Gran (Heidi), Karin Gardner (Mike), Theresa Oleokoski (Chris), Siblings, Martha Proskin (Arnold), Norwin Pollack (Donna) and Sharon Wishengrad (Barry).
Grandchildren: David, Maya & Peyton Septer, Cecilia, David & Lily Gran, Tyges Besch (Melanie), Kassandra Gran, Brendan & Vance Gardner, Roman & Annaleigh Oleokoski and great-grandson Aiden Vanderlinden.
Nieces and Nephews: Lisa Pierce (Jon), Heath Proskin (Celina), Wendy Proskin (Jeremy Zucker) and Michael Proskin (Meredith), Jeffrey Wishengrad and numerous cousins, great-nieces and nephews who she also adored.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm on Monday, September 16th at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue in Albany. Interment will follow at Hebrew Farmer’s Cemetery in Guilderland, NY.
. Those wishing to remember Rita in a special way may make a memorial donation to a Food Pantry of your choice, the Nassau Synagogue, Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob or Congregation Ohav Shalom
The period of mourning will be observed on Monday following the service at the home of Steve and Sherri Septer, 3 Mosall Drive in Slingerlands, NY and on Tuesday and Wednesday at 41 Betwood Street in Albany from 3 to 7pm.
