Obituary of Anita Gilbert

Anita Gilbert, 89, of Albany, died on Tuesday December 22, 2009. She was born November 16, 1920 in Philadelphia, grew up in Perth Amboy, NJ, and moved to Albany as a new bride in 1940. Anita was the daughter of the late Clara and Harry Slavick. *She was predeceased in 2004 by her husband of over 64 years, Leo Gilbert. She is survived by her two daughters, Sharon "Sherry" (Marvin) Freedman, and Eileen "Pixie" (Sid) Markowitz. Other survivors include four granddaughters, Lisa (Meg), Carol (Kevin), Lynne (Paul), and Marcy (Rodolfo), and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves her brother, Fred (Rosalind Welcher) Slavic, and her sister, Estelle (Harvey) Gluck. Anita was an interior designer with Gyer & Gilbert Painting Contractors, her husband's business, until their retirement in 1993. She was a member of Congregation Beth Emeth and a 2008 recipient of the Senior Issues Forum Lifetime Achievement Award. Anita and Leo were avid dancers, who hosted many dancing lessons and parties at their home. However, the love of their life was always their family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Mendleson Chapel on the grounds of Congregation Beth Emeth Cemetery, Turner Lane, Loudonville, on Wednesday December 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.. The period of mourning will be observed at the Freedman residence in Colonie, on Wednesday and Thursday evening 7:00-9:00 p.m.. There will be a brief service at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Contributions may be made to Daughters of Sarah Foundation, 180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12203; Jewish Family Services, 877 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12208; the Community Hospice Foundation, 295 Valley View Boulevard, Rensselaer, NY