Fanny Jean VanderVeer Pickett

Fanny Jean VanderVeer Pickett, 90, of Amsterdam, died peacefully on April 28, 2015 at River Ridge LLC., where she had been a resident for four months. Born in Scotia, NY on July 30, 1924, she was the daughter of Willard and Fanny Burgor VanderVeer. She married Walter Pickett on April 20, 1946. Fanny was an avid reader and life-long learner, which enabled her to converse on a wide number of topics. She loved to roller skate, swim and fish. She was a worker who always took pride in doing her best in whatever she had been entrusted to do, especially the safety and well-being of the many children she transported in her 33 years driving a school bus. She worked as a school bus driver for Paul Neznek Inc. Bus Company and the Greater Amsterdam School District. Fanny is survived by her son, Edward Pickett, Florida; her daughters Bonnie Gifford and Wendy Pickett of Amsterdam; grandchildren Jacob (Sally) Gifford, Amsterdam and Noah (Elizabeth) Gifford, Schenectady; great grandsons Caleb and Seth Gifford; and special friend Don Poirier. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, grandchildren Hannah E. and Micah Gifford, son-in-law Harold Gifford, and siblings Pierre and G. Henry VanderVeer, Vivian Sitterley and June Smith. Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 2, 2015 at 11:30A.M. at the Florida Reformed Church, State Hwy 30, Minaville, NY with Rev. Timothy Alicki and Pastor Frank Galerie presiding. Interment will be in Chuctanunda Cemetery, Minaville, NY. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday May 1, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00P.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA, State Hwy 5S, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to the Florida Volunteer Fire Department, 6252 State Highway 30, Amsterdam, NY 12010