Published: 8/18/05

Ticonderoga — Elsie G. Bush, 87, of St. Clair Street, died peacefully on Aug. 16, 2005, at the Fletcher Allen Health Care Center of Burlington, Vt., with her loving son, Richard at her side.

Born in Ticonderoga on Nov. 25, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Archibald A. and Corena P. "Queenie" (Garrow) Gallant.

Elsie was valedictorian of the Ticonderoga High School Class of 1935 and was a graduate of the College of New Rochelle.

During World War II, she worked at G.E. Broadcasting during the early years of television. Later she spent many years as a Librarian at St. Paul’s School in Garden City, N.Y. She retired in the early 1970’s after teaching several years at St. Mary’s School in Ticonderoga.

Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Walter J. "Tuffy" Bush.

Survivors include her son, Richard J. Bush and his wife Mary of Clifton Park; two grandchildren, Andrea Marie Biski and her husband Chad of Saratoga Springs, and Richard J. Bush Jr. and his wife, Dana, of Old Saybrook, Conn.; and a great-grandson, Ryan H. Bush.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wilcox and Regan Funeral Home, 11 Algonkin St., Ticonderoga.

A funeral service will take place Friday, 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Mr. Elliott A. Shaw of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Ticonderoga, will officiate. The Rite of Committal will follow at the family plot of St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery of Ticonderoga.

NEW SCOTLAND, N.Y. — Gail Thew La Duke, 57, of New Scotland, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, surrounded by the loving comfort of her family, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Born in Peru, N.Y., she remained in her hometown throughout her youth, living the good life on her family’s dairy farm.

Being raised on the farm with her four sisters and two brothers taught Gail the values of family, hard work, compassion, humor and empathy, all of which she held dear. After graduating from Peru High School in 1966, she began to pursue her life long dream of becoming a nurse at Albany Nursing School. She was a dedicated registered nurse working throughout the Capital District, including St. Clare’s Hospital and Glendale Nursing Home until her retirement in 2002.

In 1967 she met and married Thomas H. La Duke. Together they made a happy home and raised three children. Gail was always very giving of her time. She and her husband were Boy Scout leaders and little league coaches. She always supported charitable causes including the MS Society, Epilepsy Foundation and the Center for the Disabled among many, many others. In addition to frequent traveling and day trips exploring the world with her best friend, Lottie Page of Schenectady, Gail attended an annual "girls only" vacation with her sisters, mother and other family. Time spent with any or all of her girls was so very precious to Gail. She was an avid gardener and bird lover, spending countless hours tending to her flowers and vegetables. Gail had a special fondness for hummingbirds, creating a sanctuary that attracted many to her back yard. She cherished good times, laughter and love she shared so frequently with her family and friends. Her greatest joy in life came from time spent with her beloved grandchildren, Tommy, Emily, Paige and her little boo bear, Frankie.

Gail is survived by her husband, Thomas H. La Duke. She is the beloved mother of Peter La Duke of Albany, Scott La Duke and his wife Geraldine Logrillo of Glenmont and Stacy La Duke and her husband Frank A. Palmeri Jr. of East Berne. She is the loving sister of Jean Ryan and her husband John, Janice Kennedy and her husband Richard, Jerry Thew and his wife Susan, Scott Thew and his wife Nancy, Charis Duffina and her husband Richard and Brenda Gushlaw and her husband Randy. She is the cherished grandmother of Thomas J. La Duke, Emily La Duke, Paige Palmeri and Frank T. Palmeri. Also surviving is her favorite feline companion, Mr. Z.

Gail was predeceased by her parents, Chester and Marion Thew; and her mother-in-law, Myrtle La Duke.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. I 55-south of Central Ave). Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Harkness Methodist Church in Harkness, N.Y. Interment: will follow in West Peru Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Peru Cemetery Trust or the Center for the Disabled in memory of Gail S. La Duke.

Plattsburgh — Katherine J. Bushey, 66, of Meadowbrook Nursing Home, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2005, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh with her loved ones at her side.

She was born in Plattsburgh on May 17, 1939, daughter of Maynard and Eva Daniels.

She was employed by Arnie’s Restaurant until the MS kept her from working.

Katherine enjoyed Bingo, her friends and family and was full of life.

Katherine is survived by her daughter, Michele Drollette and her husband John of West Chazy; one son, Michael Bushey and his wife Kathy of West Chazy; four grandchildren, Mandy Bushey, Shane Bushey, Tiffany Drollette and Jonathan Drollette; two great-grandchildren, Kaylee Blaise and Kendra Bushey; three sisters, Diane Tabor and her husband Archie of Georgia, Nancy Bates and her husband Thomas of Plattsburgh and Arlene Metzler of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gaylord Bushey; three brothers, Floyd Daniels, Leon Daniels and Donald Daniels; and two sisters, Margaret Daniels and Doris Daniels.

Calling hours will be Friday, Aug. 19, 2005, from 10 a.m. to noon at Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 19, 2005, at noon from Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Chazy.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Meadowbrook Health Care Facility.