GUILDERLAND — Ruth Gwendolyn Painter, Altamont’s long-time and beloved librarian, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing of Guilderland in Guilderland Center due to Alzheimer’s disease. She was 96.

She was born on July 31, 1920 to Burton and Laura Wood of Schenectady. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1938. She and her parents moved to 111 Lark St. in Altamont in 1939.

Mrs. Painter worked after high school at Super Markets Inc. and Schaffer Stores Inc. of Schenectady in the bookkeeping departments.

Later in her life, she was the librarian at the Altamont Free Library for a quarter of a century, until 1992 when she retired; a few years after that, she returned to the library for part-time work. On Feb. 14, 2005, then-Mayor Paul J. DeSarbo gave her a Resolution of Appreciation plaque for being the librarian at the Altamont Free Library for 25 years and an additional 12 years as an employee.

She was married in 1945 and was a housewife in Altamont for many years. After her divorce, she lived in Guilderland Center, then tried living in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Berne with her children. At the age of 78, she moved to the Brandle Woods Apartments to live alone for the first time in her life. She lived the last 17 months of her life in the nursing home.

****

Ruth Gwendolyn (née Wood) Painter is survived by her children, Eileen Stouffer, Paula Eagan and her spouse, Kevin, and David Painter and his spouse, Arleen; her grandchildren, Chris Painter and his spouse, Stacy, and Beth Painter; and her great-granddaughter, Alexis McCoy.

She is also survived by two step-daughters, Kathleen Petrosino and Anita McCaughin.

Her parents, Burton and Laura Wood, died before her as did her former spouse, Alton Painter, and her brother, Burton Wood.

Calling hours and a memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 5, at 2 p.m. at Fredendall Funeral Home at 199 Main St. in Altamont.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, Post Office Box 96011, Washington, D.C., or online at www.alz.org, or to the Altamont free Library, 179 Main St., Altamont, NY  12009.