Obituary of Gertrude Loretta (Poplawski) Laux

On Wednesday, December 30, 2020, Gertrude Laux of Bath, NY died peacefully at the age of 89. Our Mom was born February 9, 1931 in Throop, PA the proud daughter of the late Anthony and Lottie Poplawski, both Polish immigrants. The youngest of nine children, she graduated from Throop High School in 1948 and Scranton State Hospital as a Registered Nurse in 1951. Her nursing career landed her in Bath at the Veterans Administration where she would meet and marry our Dad Paul. After we were born she worked private duty, and later at Ira Davenport Hospital and Steuben County Infirmary prior to her return to the VA Domiciliary where she retired in 1993. She loved being a caregiver and often brought goodies and gifts to the veterans. Many a neighbor and friend could count on her nursing skills, from B12 shots to bandages she was always the first person to be called upon. She was an avid sports enthusiast. Enjoyed watching golf (especially Phil because of his dimples) and rooting for the NY Mets and any team from PA. She was an above average bowler and has won several league championships. Her Tuesday night ladies were infamous for their false eyelashes and fancy cigarette holders. Mostly she enjoyed making people laugh and pulling the occasional prank. One would never know when she would show up with her "Ruby Red Lips" or drop some undies into a crowd. A favorite pastime was gambling and visiting the casinos. She loved playing scratch offs or pill tickets at the legion. She often chided that was where our college funds went. However, playing pinochle with siblings and nieces and nephews was always her best time. The strategic planning involved in each game (Throop rules) lasted until many a wee hour. She always enjoyed playing euchre and solitaire whenever she could. Game shows, "The Jumble" and crossword puzzles were no match for her. She was fortunate to have good health most of her life which enabled her to travel to Elmira to spoil her two grandchildren and care for her aging family members. A devout catholic, she belonged to St. Mary's Church and continued to pray the rosary daily at 3:30 pm. She was also a member of the Bath American Legion for over 50 years and she volunteered for Meals On Wheels. Always, selfless, genuine and helpful; she was generous to no fault, a devoted wife, loving grandmother, a fun "Aunt Gerty", a best friend and the most wonderful mother and friend we could have asked for. We were all blessed by knowing her. She will forever be in our hearts. And as our Dad said: "She can't see or hear very well, but we loved her just the same." She is survived by her daughter and husband, Becky and Buc Bradley (Elmira) with their sons, Brian (Elmira) and Paul (Charlotte, NC), her sons, Paul (Tommy) and Albert Laux of Bath. Sister-in-law, Archangel Poplawski (Throop), many cherished nieces and nephews, special friend Ellie Castrilli and her lap buddy Bailey. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her brothers, Anthony, Peter, Alex, Joseph (Grace), John (Beatrice), Ted (Monica) and sisters Sophie and Eleanor (Angelo). Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 6, 2021, at Fagan's Funeral Home, Bath with visitation from 10:00 am-11:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at Noon at St. Mary's Church in Bath and a graveside service at Bath National Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing and masks are mandatory. In lieu of flowers donations in Gertrude's name may be made to the Bath Volunteer Ambulance Corps or the Bath Volunteer Fire Department.