Gertrude K. Sainola

Gertrude Sainola ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Phillips Memorial Home - Massena on Mar. 16, 2026.Massena: Gert Sainola, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on February 28, 2026. Born on the shores of the Great South Bay, living there on the water's edge, Gertrude graduated from high school in 1950. She married her high school sweetheart, Peter Sainola, on April 25, 1954, and together they welcomed two beautiful children, Mary Strong of Sangerfield and Peter J. Sainola Jr. of Massena. They were happily married for 45 years until Peter passed in 1999. Gertrude is survived by her two children and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her sister, Ednamae Nordby in 2021.In May of 1953, she inherited a small beach house off the ocean parkway near Jones Beach. The house was located on a place known as Oak Island. There, her husband Pete spent time fixing up the place while she wrangled their children. Many memories were made there such as swimming, playing, crabbing, clamming, and enjoying the simple gifts of life by the water.Peter Sainola worked for the NYS Department of Parks and Recreation on Long Island before moving their family to Massena in 1973, where he became the Superintendent of Robert Moses State Park until his retirement. Gertrude built a career of her own at the Massena Public Library, where she worked for 20 years. During that time, she also volunteered with the local hospice and Massena's Meals on Wheels. A member of St. John's Episcopal Church since 1973, she made many cherished friendships within the local community. Gert was a proud fan of Massena High School hockey and football. She often listened to the games on her hometown radio station, WMSA, texting her good friend Mark, sharing every big moment in real time.She enjoyed watching NASCAR and faithfully followed her favorite driver each season. She also loved watching hockey, golf, and other sports, and placed her annual horse racing bet during the Kentucky Derby.Gert liked to travel and wasn't afraid to travel alone. After the passing of her husband in 1999, for many years she made a special trip to Saranac Lake during the Christmas season, attending a church service and enjoying time people-watching in the town. In later years, her destination became Lake Placid, where she stayed at the Golden Arrow overlooking Mirror Lake. She would take the shuttle up to Whiteface, where she'd enjoy a cup of her favorite chili, a glass of wine, and the secondhand joy of the season while watching the families who spent their holidays there.Her adventures took her even farther from home, including trips to Greece and Nova Scotia and Hawaii, visits with family in Texas and Washington State, and vacations in the Outer Banks. She also spent months at a time visiting her sister in Florida. Among her travels, she cruised the Danube River through several European countries, visited the Von Trapp Lodge in Vermont multiple times, and traveled to places such as Colorado, Mississippi, and Nevada.Gertrude greatly enjoyed nature. Her fine feathered friend (Pretty Bird) brought great comfort and companionship to her. She also loved feeding the birds at her home and spending time at the Nicandri Nature Center, a place she felt deeply connected to and that was well known to those closest to her. In her younger days, you might have spotted her rowing her small boat up and down the Grasse River behind her home.If you've ever seen a full moon, you may think of Gert, as she often messaged friends and family from coast to coast asking if they could see it too, wanting to share in its beauty together.She bought her first cell phone at RadioShack and greatly enjoyed the connectivity it provided. When her son offered to buy her a smartphone, her initial response was "absolutely not." Eventually he convinced her to make the switch-though she insisted on keeping her old phone as a backup. At one point she threatened to throw the new smartphone in the river, but it never made it there, and she soon became quite attached. She used it to Google and text anything and everything - she loved to find just the right emoji. Paint-by-numbers became a favorite way to pass the time. She made videos, took pictures, played solitaire, and most importantly stayed connected to the people she loved.Soft-spoken but formidable, those who knew her will remember her independence, curiosity, and the warmth she brought to everyday moments. She lived a full and adventurous life and will be deeply missed by the many people fortunate enough to have known her. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley; 6805 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676 Massena Meals on Wheels; 70 E Hatfield St, Massena, NY 13662 and St. John's Episcopal Church in Massena; P.O. Box 15, Massena, New York 13662. A burial will be at the convenience of the family.Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, memorial tress, photos and condolences online by visiting, www.PhillipsMemorial.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.