Gertrude Schell Chacks

Gertrude Schell Chacks, 84, formerly of Evelyn Avenue, passed away Monday morning at St. Mary?s Hospital after a long illness. Her sister was at her side. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York on March 22, 1922, she was the daughter of Joseph and Martha Sagaitis Schell. She lived in Amsterdam most of her life. A graduate of the Trapahagen School of Design in New York City, she also assisted her family as a clerk in Schell?s Drug Store on East Main Street for many years. Gertrude also taught adult education sewing at the Singer Sewing Company. She was an avid dancer and a long time communicant of St. Casimir?s Roman Catholic Church. Her husband, Felix ?Phil? Chacks, predeceased her on January 15, 1987. Survivors include her daughter, Diane Hackert of Amsterdam; her sister, Greta Bakuzonis of Hagaman; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Casimir?s Church with Fr. Stanley J. Swierzowski, celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Casimir?s Cemetery. There are no calling hours at Gert?s request and contributions may be made to St. Casimir?s Memorial Fund, 260 East Main Street, Amsterdam, 12010.