Alberta Gaylord

Alberta Stratton Gaylord, Aldenville, died Saturday, December 3, 2022, at age 101. Born December 30, 1920 in Binghamton, New York, she was the only daughter of the late Bert and Carrie Stratton. Her husband of 58 years, George Garfield Gaylord, died January 10, 1996. Alberta graduated from Clinton High School in 1937 and on July 24, 1937, she and Garp eloped to Narrowsburg, New York before starting their married life on a dairy farm in Aldenville. In 1955, Garp and Alberta sold the farm and purchased their home, which housed the Aldenville General Store and U.S Post Office. Several generations of children fondly recall visiting the penny candy counter at the store to be waited on by Mrs. Gaylord. She served as post mistress in Aldenville until her retirement in 1990. After retiring, she and Garp enjoyed spending time in Florida with family and friends. Born the same year women won the right to vote, Alberta took her responsibility as a citizen very seriously and voted in every election once she was able to, including the most recent one. She lived independently until she was almost 100 and still baked fresh batches of chocolate chip cookies every week. Throughout the years, Alberta created many beautiful baby sweaters and blankets and enjoyed crocheting with the Happy Hookers crocheting group. Due to her failing physical health she was cared for in her final years at Creekside and Wayne Woodlands. Even as her body failed, her mind was still sharp; right to the end she kept her wits and her sense of humor – and she never left the house without her lipstick on and her nails painted. Alberta was a faithful member of the Aldenville Baptist Church. Alberta is survived by three daughters: Barbara (Joseph) Podunajec, Prompton; Mary Haag, Honesdale; and Georgia Thorpe, Waymart; eight grandchildren: Gary (Tracey) Podunajec, Prompton; Lynn (Tish) Podunajec, Lincoln, Illinois; Ritch (Cindy) Haag, Millersville; Bob (Eileen) Haag, Macungie; Kristin Harvin, Clearwater, FL; Carrie Kemmerer, Waymart; Darren (Lori) Thorpe, Waymart; and Stacy Thorpe (Justin Weaver), New Cumberland. She is also survived by 19 great grandchildren: Garrett (Sasha) Podunajec, Justin (Britnee) Podunajec, Kerin (Jeff) Weinberger, Christopher, Nathan, and Zachery Podunajec, Jeremy (Helen) Haag, Ryan (Maggie) Haag, Mitchell Haag, Elena (Roman) Kowalchuk, Amanda, Robby, and James Haag, Leanna and Reed Harvin, Kellyn Kemmerer (Jacob Covey), James Kemmerer, Jamie Thorpe, and Kristin (Noah) Shandor. She is also survived by great-great grandchildren: Ronan Podunajec, Kendra, Wyatt, and Damon Weinberger, Ruby, Oscar, Isabelle, Addison, and Lyla Haag, and Lev and Baby Kowalchuk. In addition to her husband and parents, Alberta was pre-deceased by brother, Glynn Stratton; grandson, Jeffrey Podunajec; great-great-granddaughter Liljanna Rose Podunajec; son-in-law, Roy Thorpe; and grandson-in-law Harold Harvin. She was also predeceased by many canine companions over the years. The family would like to thank Alberta’s neighbors, who very thoughtfully looked out for her over the years. The funeral will be Saturday at 12 noon at the Aldenville Baptist Church, 971 Creek Drive, Prompton. Friends may call at the church from 10:30 to noon. Interment will be in the Aldenville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alberta’s memory to the Aldenville Baptist Church or Dessin Animal Shelter. Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc. Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont St. Waymart, PA.