Hoosick Falls – Mary Benkoski Gates, 95, formerly of Wood Park Lane, Hoosick Falls, NY, died on Saturday evening, January 31, 2009, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, VT, surrounded by her loving family. She had resided at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington for the past
five years.
Born March 23, 1913, and a lifelong resident of Hoosick Falls, she was a daughter of the late Louis and Lena Bromirski Benkoski and the wife of the late Christopher Gates, who died in November of 1969. Mrs. Gates was employed many years ago at the former Classic Dress Factory. She also worked at Barclay Home Products and Albany Felt Company, retiring many years ago. In later years, Mrs. Gates enjoyed her family, fishing, baking and cooking, and traveling. She especially enjoyed being outdoors with nature. She was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls and was formerly a member of the St. Stanislaus Society Ladies Auxiliary.
Survivors include a daughter, Mary Jane Hilchey of Bennington, four grandchildren, Lisa DeCrescenzo and Carolyn Baker both of Stillwater, NY, Michael Hilchey and Stephanie Hurley both of Bennington, and six great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by a daughter, Christina Morby, a sister, Florence Esposito, and four brothers, Joseph, Louis, John and William Benkoski.
Funeral services and calling hours will be private for the family. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hoosick Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter or Hale Mountain Annual Fishing Derby both of Shaftsbury, VT, in care of the Robson-Reinfurt Funeral Home, 72 Main Street, Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090.