CLIFTON PARK Lola Jean Riberdy, 74, passed away on Wednesday January 6, 2021 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, carried through by her faith in the Lord.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."
Born October 4, 1946 in Troy, NY, she was predeceased by her parents, Edward T. and Blanche Wells Gokey of Waterford.
A graduate of Waterford Halfmoon High School and Mildred Elley, she retired from NYS DOT in 2013 after 35 years. Prior to that, she had been employed at Empire State College and had also been a waitress for over 30 years as a second job at night.
She enjoyed reading, traveling, dancing, bicycling, gardening, and baking, and was a member of the Red Hat Society, a member of CSEA, and a former Girl Scout leader. She also enjoyed engaging people, often strangers, in conversation.
She is survived by her husband, John McGrath, as well as the 4 children of her marriage to David Riberdy: Joann Y. (Stephen) Savage of Ballston Lake, Pamela J. Riberdy of Latham, Brian D. (Donna) Riberdy of Waterford, and Angela M. Riberdy (Thomas Schnautz) of Georgia. She was grandmother to Justin Bush (Samantha Curtiss), Adam (Cassandra) Bush, Nicole (Nicholas) Rogers, Tyler Riberdy (Malerie Golgan), and Samantha Savage. Great-grandmother to Aiden Bush, Owen Rogers, Madison Bush, and a great-grandchild to be born in January. Other survivors include her stepdaughter Michelle Ashley (Greg Brodus), step granddaughter Mia Ashley, a sister Lynn (Chuck) Savage, and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
Special thanks are extended to the staff from Community Hospice as well as the staff at Gateway House of Peace for their care and support.