Gansevoort-Stella M. Stella of Saratoga Rd. was promoted to glory Monday, Feb. 25, 2008 at Saratoga Hospital. She was 87.

Born July 6, 1920 in Greenfield Center, NY she was the daughter of the late Grover F. and Fannie (Cook) Dake, Sr. Stella worked as a waitress in Naples, FL and at the Wishing Well in Saratoga Springs retiring in 2006. She had a special talent of remembering orders without writing them down. Even when customers would try to trick her and switch seats, she would always remember who needed to be served what they ordered. Stella loved animals, especially her golden retriever Buttercup, as well as spending time gardening and doing yard work. She was a member of the Spirit of Life Christian Church in Wilton.                                 

In addition to her parents she is predeceased by two brothers, Grover Dake, Jr. and Elmer Dake and one great- grandson, Nathaniel Bunnell.

Survivors include her three daughters, Carole (Tim) Jones of Galway NY, Patricia (Jim) Tygard of Colorado Springs, CO and Cynthia Stephenson of Schenectady NY; one son, John (Mary Lou) Podwirny of Ballston Spa, NY; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and her dog, Buttercup.

There will be no calling hours and services will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful nurses and doctors who took care of Mom on this final journey of her life.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373)

Memorials may be made in her name to the Spirit of Life Christian Church, 757 Rt. 9, Wilton, NY 12831.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.