Gretel Van Zandt Balintfy

FULTON – On January 1st, 2024 Gretel Van Zandt Balintfy age 89, formally of Fulton, NY passed

away peacefully while residing in Port St Lucie, FL. Born 1934 in Boston MA to Earl Van Zandt and Charlotte Owens Van Zandt, later relocated to Granville, NY. Gretel graduated from Granville High School and later SUNY Cobleskill College, NY receiving her Assoc. Degree in Early Childhood Ed. Gretel married Lawrence R. Westerlund Sr. in June of 1957 in Schenectady, NY. Gretel was blessed with a captivating singing voice and sang with Sweet Adeline’s, a quartet the “Keytones” and several church choirs.

While living in Pulaski, NY, Gretel taught at the Pulaski CSD as an elementary school teacher and was the program director at the Pulaski Day Care Center. She also worked at Ted’s Gift & Jewelry while raising her children. Gretel was an active member of The St. James Episcopal Church in Pulaski. It was during that time she professed her faith in Jesus Christ.

In 1986, Gretel married George Balintfy. While living in Fulton, NY, she was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, the Phoenix Senior Citizens Club, St David’s Welch Society of Liticia and the Slate Valley Museum of Granville NY. In 1995 she presented a scrap book to the Slate Valley Museum of her family’s history and of their slate making in the valley. In Sept 2004 she traveled to Wales visiting where her grand & great grandparents emigrated from. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and a faithful friend. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed camping with her husband George and their two Siamese cats. She was an avid bird watcher, cat lover, enjoyed visiting botanical gardens, watching H.S. Musicals, and listening to Christian music.

Preceded in death by her parents, brother Dirk VanZandt, ex-husband Lawrence R. Westerlund Sr. and husband George Balintfy, Gretel is survived by her daughter Lori Westerlund Casamento (Frank) of Syracuse, NY, sons Lawrence Westerlund (Susan) of Hastings, NY and Peter Westerlund of Sandy Creek, NY, 3 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, nephews and a great niece. Per Gretel’s request there will be no calling hours.

The Funeral Service will be privately held at the Mettowee Valley Cemetery, Granville, NY in the spring of 2024.

Donations may be made to the following:

1). Slate Valley Museum 17 Water Street, Granville, NY 12832. (518)642-1417

2). Oswego County SPCA-OCAWL 621 E. Seneca St., Oswego, NY 13126 (315) 297-4900

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