WEST BERNE — Gertrude Perue kept her home neat and her siblings in comfort.

She worked as a hostess at Borelli’s Restaurant in Howes Cave, in Schoharie County, and was a caregiver for many in her family throughout her life.

Gertrude Bunzey Perue died at the Baptist Health Care Center in Scotia on Sunday, March 23, 2014, due to complications from dementia and a broken hip, according to her nephew, Robert Anderson. She was 86.

Ms. Perue was born on Jan. 20, 1928 to Ford and Ethel (née Conklin) Bunzey. She was known as Betty and grew up on her family’s West Berne farm with four brothers and five sisters.

“She was the one-person washing machine and helped with the cooking and everything,” Mr. Anderson said of his aunt, who one of the younger children in her family.

Ms. Perue attended school at Berne-Knox, her nephew said. Mr. Anderson. She married and divorced the late Lloyd Perue.

Mr. Anderson, who lived with her as she grew older, said she was a quiet person and enjoyed cleaning her home. “I guess that was her peace of mind,” he said.

Ms. Perue cared for her mother for several years after her father died, and she helped raise her nieces and nephews.

“She had a good heart,” said Mr. Anderson.

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Gertrude Bunzey Perue is survived by her siblings, Emma Bunzey Stevens of Knox and Ralph Bunzey of Monroe, Ga.; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces.

Her siblings, Ollie Bunzey Rowe, Mildred Bunzey Labonawicz, Ruby Bunzey Simon, Eva Mae Bunzey Anderson, Morris Bunzey, Ken Bunzey Sr., and Ford Bunzey Jr., died before her.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, March 28, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, Altamont.

Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Berne in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Health Care Center, 297 North Ballston Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302.  

— Marcello Iaia