Gwendolyn H. Luty Estelle died in her sleep on Friday, November 17 after a long illness.

Gwen, as she was known, was born on February 2, 1941 to the late Theodore F. and Helen C. (Osika) Luty in Poughkeepsie where she lived for several years prior to the family's move to Hyde Park.

Gwen's early memories included delivering bread from Luty's bakery which her grandparents and family operated in Poughkeepsie and playing and helping out on the Osika family farm in Hyde Park.  She was a devoted daughter and loved her entire family dearly.

Gwen attended St. Peter's and St. Joseph's schools and graduated from F. D. Roosevelt High School, Hyde Park in 1957.  She later studied nursing and liberal arts at Boston University.

As a young adult Gwen developed what would become a lifelong interest in politics eventually leading her to the Democratic Party.  Following her studies, Gwen moved to Washington, D. C. and in 1962 she began working as a legislative assistant in the United States House of Representatives originally working under Congressman B. F. Sisk and later for Congressman Tony Coelho, both of California.  Gwen retired from her role with Rep. Coelho in 1985 and returned home to Dutchess County where she joined her family's company, Dorsey Gage Company.

In 1987 Gwen further pursued her passion for politics and was elected a Dutchess County Legislator representing District 34 in Hyde Park serving for several years.

In addition to her work, Gwen was a doting and devoted aunt to her nieces and nephew, a fun-loving friend, a generous hostess, a gifted gardener and an avid skier.  Gwen loved a good party; enjoying time with friends and she always treasured the family reunions her family frequently hosted.   Gwen also loved to travel and particularly loved the beach.  Her affection for the beach led her to purchase a summer home in Mantoloking, NJ which eventually became her permanent home.

The Jersey Shore became a very special place for Gwen.  She loved to host friends and family at her beautiful home and many will long remember visits there.  The Shore became even more special to Gwen as she met her future husband soon after purchasing her beach house.

On August 31, 2002 Gwen married Steven Estelle.

Steve was Gwen's "Mr. Wonderful" from whom she never wanted to be far from and her years with him were among the most joyful of her life.  Together the Estelles traveled extensively and lived happily. Completely dedicated to her, Steve lovingly cared for his wife throughout her illness and until her last breath. He now survives at home.

Gwen was a member of the Hudson Valley Ski Club, the Hyde Park Rotary, was active the Roosevelt alumni community and in recent years worked with her local homeowners association, particularly following Hurricane Sandy which badly affected the beach community near her home in New Jersey.  Gwen will be remembered by those who loved her as a passionate person willing to fight for things she believed in and was a dear friend to many.

In addition to her husband, Gwen is survived by her sister Carol Luty Molina and brother-in-law Joseph, her sister-in-law Margaret Ann Luty, her mother-in-law Doris Estelle, her sister-in-law Patricia Dressler and family, her nieces Joy Seven Sheerer and family, Devon Luty Swenson and family and nephew T. J. Luty and family, as well as many cousins, relations and myriad friends.

Gwen was predeceased by her parents and her brother Ted Luty, Jr.

Calling hours for Gwendolyn will be from 5-8 pm on Monday, November 27th at Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Avenue, Poughkeepsie.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, November 28th at 10 am from St. Peter's Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, 99 Inwood Avenue, Poughkeepsie following by a graveside service at the family plot in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Evergreen Avenue, Poughkeepsie.

Donations in Gwen's memory may be made to Grace Hospice Care of New Jersey, the American Cancer Society, to Memorial Sloan Kettering, or to the charity of one's choosing.