Vivian Gates, 89, revered art teacher
ALBANY—Vivian Louise Estopinal Gates of East Chatham died October 15, 2011 at Albany Medical Center.
She was born January 12, 1922 in New Orleans, Louisiana, daughter of the late Fernando Joseph and Mary Vivian Estopinal.
She married the late Louis Gates III, who was originally from New York. They moved back to New York after he was discharged from the service, eventually settling in East Chatham.
Mrs. Gates received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Tulane University and then went on to receive a master’s degree in education after moving to New York. In 1983, she retired from the Hudson City School District where she was a revered art teacher.
Mrs. Gates was a super mother and grandmother and is survived by four of her six children and their spouses: Louis Gates, IV and wife Melanie, Viki L. Hatch and husband Howard, Stephen Gates and William Gates and wife Mary. She was predeceased by her children, Robert Gates and Dane Gates. She was graced with 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. All of whom loved her as much as she loved them. They will always have fond memories of her smile, her sharing her artistic abilities and her caring ways. She is survived by a brother, Fernando J. Estopinal, III of North Carolina, and a sister, Jacqueline Simoneaux of California, as well as nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Gates enjoyed going every Wednesday to the Senior Luncheon Group in Canaan and enjoyed the company of her friends and cheered them up with her creative table centerpieces.
Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Wednesday, October 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. Religious services will be celebrated at the funeral home Thursday, October 20 at 2 p.m. Attendees are asked to arrive at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Soldier On, a non-profit organization that helps veterans get back on their feet. 421 North Main Street, Building 6, Leeds, MA 01053, www.wesoldieron.org.
For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.frenchblasl.com.
Kevin Rushkoski, 43, chef, Taconic Hills grad
HICKSVILLE—Kevin S. Rushkoski, 43 of Hicksville, a former local resident, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 16, 2011 at his residence.
He was born October 30, 1967 in Hudson, the son of Stanley and Maria (Poletto) Rushkoski of Hillsdale.
Mr. Rushkoski was a graduate of Taconic Hills Central School and was a local upstate chef before moving to Long Island, where he continued his trade.
He received numerous excellent reviews for his culinary skills in the New York Times, Newsday and other publications, as well as, having his recipes published in both Gourmet Magazine and Ladies Home Journal.
Surviving besides his parents are: his loving sweetheart of 16 years, Stefanie Andors; his sister, Sandra Bergin and her fiance Michael Streeter of Copake and his loving dog, Mushy. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends are invited to call at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 State Route 22, Copake, Wednesday, October 19, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Thursday, October 20, 2011 from the Parish of Our Lady of Hope, 8074 Route 22, Copake Falls at 9 a.m. with the Reverend George Brennan, pastor, officiating.
Interment will follow in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson.
To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net
