Vera M. Lund

Vera Marie Rivenburg Lund, - Slingerlands

The angels came to show Vera Marie (Rivenburg) Lund the way to her eternal home on April 9, 2025, at the age of 94. She was a much-loved mother, grandmother, and friend to so many. Vera passed away peacefully at Albany Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Born on January 7, 1931, in Hudson, New York, Vera enjoyed many happy childhood years living in Tivoli, NY. She moved to Albany after high school graduation to attend St. Margaret's School for a child nursing certificate. Vera and her former husband Jim purchased a home shortly after her graduation. She spent most of her adult years in the Guilderland area, first taking care of infants and toddlers which she especially loved. She then went on to work for the NYS Dept of Labor for 35 years. During that time Vera became one of the first EAP Reps for several years and enjoyed helping people in that capacity.

Vera was quick to tell stories about keeping in touch with good friends from work. They would meet at one person's house for pot luck supper or at a restaurant on a regular basis after she retired, always keeping in contact by phone. Vera and a group of close friends enjoyed going to garage sales on Saturday's. She was in charge of marking the paper of where the best sales might be. Vera also spoke often with a couple of her high school friends until they passed on. There were many stories of how Jim and Vera entertained neighbors at parties in their finished basement. Many treasured summer months were spent at Cayuga Lake with her long-time dear friends, the Walsh's. Another dear, friend for many years, Ann, passed away too young. They constantly teased each other about who was older as they were born on the same day.

Her greatest pride and joy were her daughter, Valerie Gaige, her son-in-law, Allan Gaige, and her beloved granddaughter, Alyssa Gaige. Vera called Alyssa her precious angel. Her eyes always lit up when she saw Alyssa. Vera would say that caring for young Alyssa were some of the best years of her life. Even when talking on the phone with Vera, you could feel the smile come across her face whenever their names came up. Her joy was palpable!

Vera leaves many to mourn her loss. In addition to her family and friends in and around Albany, Vera leaves a large group of Lund family members who reside in Alberta, Canada. In addition to James, Vera was predeceased by her parents Carolyn and Clifton Rivenburg and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Vera's family on Tuesday April 15th from 4pm until 6pm in the Fredendall Funeral Home 199 Main Street, Altamont followed by a prayer service officiated by Rev. Eric Reimer of St. John's Lutheran Church at 6:00pm in the funeral home. Interment will be in Knox Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Center for Disability Services at 314 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 (In honor of Alyssa Gaige) OR St. Margaret's Center at 27 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208.