WESTMERE — Audrey F. Bentz, a woman who “never met a stranger,” according to her family, died  peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2015, with her daughters by her side. She was 89.

Mrs. Bentz was born in Schenectady on April 26, 1926, the daughter of the late Harry and Mabel R. (née Shaver) Fitzpatrick.

She lived in Schenectady from 1926 to 1930 and then moved to Albany with her family.

At three days old, she was dedicated by Mabel Vreeland, and at 10 years old, in 1936, she was baptized by Elder Cardy.

She went to school in McKownville as a young child, and then attended School 27 in Albany through the sixth grade. She returned to school in McKownville in the seventh grade.

She began nursing school at Child’s Hospital one week before her 18th birthday and in 1946 she graduated as a practical nurse.

She worked as a nanny; at the Rest Haven Nursing Home; at Brady Farrell Maternity Hospital; and at St. Peter’s Hospital, as a childcare technician, before she retired in 1976.

Mrs. Bentz was a lifelong member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Her daughter, Judith Eells, said her mother was an avid knitter and crocheter and won many ribbons at the Altamont Fair over the years.

“She could make anybody laugh,” said Ms. Eells. “She could make anybody feel comfortable in any situation.”

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Mrs. Bentz is survived by her loving daughters, Judith Eells, and her husband, Wayne Sr., of Westmere, and Patricia Harrison, and her husband, John, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; her cherished grandchildren, Wayne Eells Jr., and his wife, Jennifer, Christopher Eells, and his wife, Buffy, Joseph Harrison, and his wife, Margaret, Kate Belval, and her husband, Jonathan, Michael Harrison, and his wife, Aimee; her cherished great-grandchildren, Justin Eells, Joshua Eells, Michaela Eells, Natalie Eells, Riley Eells, Logan Schroeter, Zoe and Dominic Schroeter, Levi Harrison, Jude Harrison, Nolan Belval, Meadow Harrison, and baby Harrison.

Her husband of over 51 years, Peter J. Bentz, died before her, as did her brother, Charles Fitzpatrick.

Funeral services were held at New Comer Funeral Home in Colonie. Interment was at the Prospect Hill Cemetery in Guilderland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Albany Seventh Day Adventist Church, 298 St. Agnes Highway, Cohoes, NY 12047.