Obituary of Jewel D. Gentry

Jewel D. Donnelly Gentry, 70, of Pleasantdale, Town of Schaghticoke, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones at the Collar City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Albany, New York, she was the daughter of the late David Donnelly and Mary Bennett Gordon and was raised and educated in Troy public school.

Ms. Gentry was a dedicated caregiver with CEO in Troy as a Foster Grandparent and also spent much time caring for and mentoring the children at the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club.

Most who knew Jewel, knew that she was a strong willed woman and could at times be on the stubborn side. She most enjoyed spoiling her own three grandchildren but also unconditionally loved and cared for numerous uncountable adopted children and grandchildren as if they were her own. She liked driving and served as a designated driver at times when needed. She was generous to a fault and loved to spend money, had expensive taste on a low budget but made do. She loved good food, baked goods, a good cookout, pork and in particular her cousins Henrietta’s pork-chops. She and Henrietta were like two peas in a pod. She was a member of the All-Troy Athletic Club (ATAC) and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3773 in Lansingburgh.

Beloved mother of Matthew (Krystal) Cheeley; cherished grandmother of Eliyjah Cheeley, Mathias Cheeley and Malachi Cheeley, sister of Eddie Gordon, Eugene Jones, Josephine Donnelly Suggs, LeDelma Donnelly McDonald, Carolyn Donnelly Dowson, Josephine Donnelly Suggs, half-sister to David Donnelly, Jr., also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Jewel’s Home Going Service will be celebrated on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the  John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc. Corner of 115^th Street & 4^th Avenue in Lansingburgh (565-4^thAve.) Troy, NY 12182. Here relatives and friends are invited to her vistitation that day at the funeral home from 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m.

The family would like to offer their sincerest appreciation to her cousin Henrietta Edge for all of her loving support, care, prayers and comfort as well as to the staff at the Collar City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club, 501 Fourth Avenue., Troy, NY 12182, in memory of Jewel D. Genrty.

Please feel free to view the Memorial Video (please check back later when it is available) or offer your on-line Condolences by using those tabs on this website.