Gertrude D. Fatcheric

Gertrude Rose Delaney Fatcheric, of Syracuse, N.Y. passed away on March 12 in her home. She was 88.

A long-time resident of Tipperary Hill, Gertrude was born and raised on Hardscrabble Road in Cadyville, N.Y. She was valedictorian of the St. John’s Academy 1949 high school graduating class, going on to the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Center School of Nursing, where she graduated as a registered nurse in 1952. She was employed by Crouse-Irving Hospital where she met her future husband, John A. Fatcheric, M.D. After raising her children, she worked as a substitute school nurse in the Syracuse City School District and as an office nurse for Dr. L. Massad and Dr. John Gorman.

Gertrude is survived by children, Joan (Peter) Neigler of Farmingville, Cindy (Lee) Foley of Warners, John (Terri) Fatcheric of Camillus, Dr. Eileen (Mike) Fatcheric-Burns of Syracuse and Maureen (Clark Martin) Fatcheric of Syracuse; sister, Katherine (Herb) Carter of Merritt Island, Fla.; grandchildren, Margie, Alexa “A.J.”, David, Lindsey, Delaney and MacKenzie; and great-grandchildren, Anna, Patrick, Jack, Aiden, Brooke, Mia, Cassandra and Peyton. She was predeceased in 1993 by her husband, Dr. John Fatcheric, and in 2017 by her daughter, Connie Backus. She was also predeceased by six siblings, Alice Phillips, Clare Fatcheric, Michael Delaney, Ray Delaney, Donald Delaney and Gerald Delaney.

A long-time member of Bellevue Country Club, Gert was active in golf and bowling. She was an avid gardener and member and past president of the Hill N Dale Garden Club. Gert was a long-time active parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church and served as Parish Council secretary for many years. She was a past president of St. Patrick’s Guild and a Eucharistic minister. She was awarded the coveted St. Patrick’s Church Heritage Award in 2000.

Anyone who knew Gert was touched by her generosity and kindness. She spent many years volunteering at Crouse-Memorial Hospital, the Cathedral Breakfast Program for the men of the Oxford Inn and the Christ The King Retreat House.

Her sense of humor was Irish all the way, with quick wit and sparkling eyes. One Christmas, she wrapped individual packages containing a shirt that said, “Mom Loves Me Best.” When the first package was opened, that kid beamed with pride, while another said, “Hey, that’s MY shirt!” Gert never said a thing, giggling later, when the next shirt was opened.

Dedicated to her kids, she was a Girl Scout and 4-H leader. She used to tell stories about how she spent over a decade of Mother’s Days cleaning stalls at the state fairgrounds after the 4-H club horse show. She also took more than 20 horses and kids on annual overnight trail rides at Highland Forest, a daunting task even without horses.

Gert instilled her lifelong passion for horses in her girls, while fully supporting her son’s preference for things that ate gas instead of hay. She also shared her love of the outdoors, skiing, golf and tennis with her children.

She had many other talents, including spotting four-leaf clovers with just a glance, but it’s her inner strength that was most amazing. Gert’s love of her family, never-ending support, courage and sheer determination will be deeply missed. With her cherished Irish heritage, it is fitting that her burial will be held on St. Patrick’s Day.

Relatives and friends may call Monday, March 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m. in St. Charles-St. Ann’s Parish, 501 South Orchard Rd., Syracuse. Gert will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Syracuse.

Donations can be made to St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s Parish, 216 North Lowell Ave., Syracuse, N.Y. 13204.