Sophia A. Remkus French

Sophia A. (Skip) French, 83

Poestenkill - Sophia A. (Remkus) French, 83, died February 5, 2008 suddenly at home.

Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Stephanie (Klebauskas) and Charles Remkus. Known affectionately as Skip to all that knew her, she brought energy, a love of living and an indomitable spirit of adventure to those she met, endearing her to all that knew her.

During the 1940's, Skip earned her pilot's license and with her husband Edward, owned and operated a flying school and guide business in Saratoga Springs and Poestenkill. During the Second World War, she drove an ambulance for the American Red Cross. Skip also worked as a secretary for many years at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy.

As a spirited retiree she was a member of many volunteer groups but her favorite included working with the Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County teaching families and individuals to read, write and speak English. She loved to travel and in 2001 visited Lithuania, the homeland of her parents. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed working in her flower gardens at home. She was a member of the Red Hat Society of Troy. An animal lover, Skip adopted many pets from animal shelters over the past thirty years, giving senior dogs a loving, safe home during the last years of their lives.

Skip was predeceased by her parents and husband Edward T. French, Sr. and their two sons Gregory and Douglas many years ago. More recently, she was predeceased by her siblings Charles Remkus (East Schodack), Helen Remkus (Albany), Patricia E. Teator (Rensselaer), Veronica Moore (Phoenix, AZ) and Steflie VanVlack (Poughkeepsie) and one nephew Charles Teator.

Skip is survived by her nieces, Julianna Maikels (Robert) of Saugerties, Patricia Pasternak (Peter) and Judith Skuse (Charles) of Guilderland and her nephews, Joseph Martin (Brenda) of Rensselaer, Charles Remkus (Christine) of Glenmont and Michael Teator (Nora) of California and all their children. Skip is also survived by her dear friends, Pat and Cliff Dunworth of Poestenkill, Jane Gale of Wynantskill and many others that called her friend. She is deeply missed by her beloved kitty, Pollyanna.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Salvatore Rodino, Pastor, at St. Jude the Apostle Church Brookside Avenue in Wynantskill at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 9. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family between 9 and 10 a.m. at the church before the service to remember and celebrate Skip's joyful life. Interment will be at Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy immediately following the liturgy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Skip's memory may be made to either St. Jude the Apostle Church, 43 Brookside Ave. Wynantskill, NY 12198, the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Rensselaer County Inc. 1913 Fifth Avenue Troy, NY 12180, or the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave. Menands, NY 12204.

Add A Private Note To The Family Guest Book

 Service Information