Obituary of Adele Janet Gurda

Adele Janet Blahause Gurda 95, of Middletown, NY, entered into rest on July 7, 2013 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Born on April 2, 1918 in New York, NY to Augustus and Lena Blahause, Adele was married to the late Michael Gurda, Sr. Adele was a graduate of S. S. Seward Institute, Florida, NY. She later earned a B.S. and Master's degree in Nursing from Columbia University. She was an Associate Professor in the nursing program at the now SUNY Orange Campus in Middletown, NY for over 20 years. Governor W. Averell Harriman appointed Adele President of the Board of Visitors for the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital in the 1950s. In addition to her nursing career, she held numerous volunteer positions including officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, President and Chairman of the American Legion Auxiliary (Middletown), and President and Charter Member of the Middletown Women's Democratic Club. Adele was an avid traveler and student. She enjoyed immersing herself in different cultures and learning all that she could about them. She loved cooking, skiing, doll making and collecting. But, her greatest joy was her family. Her home was always open to loved ones and her generosity extraordinary. Adele lived life to the fullest and was an example to us all by selflessly helping others. She will be dearly missed. Adele is survived by her sister Charlote Heinzel, daughter Elaine, son Michael, six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held 11 AM on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at St. Stanislaus Church 17 Pulaski Hwy. Pine Island, NY. Burial was held privately in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to SUNY Orange, Department of Nursing, 115 South Street, Middletown, NY 10940