SUSAN GAINFORT
SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Susan Elma Gainfort, 82, of South New Berlin, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2014, in the Norwich Rehab and Nursing Center of Norwich.
Susan was born March 27, 1932 in Newark, NJ the daughter of Edward and Beryl Smith Eckstein. She grew up in Newark and married Samuel Gainfort and together they had five children. Sam passed away in February of 1989. Susan worked most of her life for a clothing manufacturing company, AT&T Phone Co. of NJ and Picatiny Sonah during the Vietnam War. Earning her GED and Associates Degree in accounting she maintained accounts for the Water Dept. of Sparta, NJ, Stanhope Township, Stanhope, NJ, Hackettstown, NJ and the Presbyterian Church of Sparta. Upon retiring she moved to the hamlet of South New Berlin to be closer to family. She was an active member of the South New Berlin Fire Dept, Auxiliary and remained active with St. Mathewís Episcopal Church of South New Berlin having maintained their accoounts for many years. She was also an active member of the Episcopal Christian Womenís association and many other activities of her church. Susan was also an active volunteer for many years at the information desk at the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Susan loved to read and sew. In the spring, summer and fall she loved sitting on the front porch of her home and in the winter she enjoyed the view from her back window.
Susan was the last surviving sibling of her family. She was predeceased by her sisters and their husbands Anne Wertz and husband Leroy, Madeline DeFilippi and husband Vincent, her brothers Frank E. and George A. Eckstein and her sister-in-law Roxanna Minnet and husband Robert. She is survived by her five children, Jeanne Lehmann and husband Steven, Samuel Gainfort, Richard Gainfort, Melanie Crane and husband William and John Gainfort and wife Susan. Also survivng are her seven grandchildren, Megan Lehmann, David Lehmann and wife Geniece, Erica Crane and companion Joseph Ray, Cindy Dubois and husband Corey, Matthew Crane and wife Nicole, John Gainfort and Jennifer Gainfort and her 11 great grandchildren, Dylan, Brianne and Mason Ray, Brandon Lehmann, Zane Buckholz and Mackenzie and Baleigh DuBois, Emily Crane, Amethyst and Thomas Powers and Tyler Bard. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law Adrienne Eckstein, Geraldine Cook and husband William, Margaret Liashek and Anna May Gainfort along with several nieces and nephews.
Special thanks goes out to all who have assited Susan these past years.
Memorial contributions on Susanís behalf may be made to the St. Mathews Episcopal Church, 3326 State Highway 8, South New Berlin, NY 13843. Memorial services for Susan will be held in the month of May at a time to be announced. Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.