Antonina "Nina" Gulbrandsen

Schenectady -Antonina “Nina” (Viola) Gulbrandsen peacefully left this world to join her beloved husband, Edward, on Friday January 2nd 2026.

Born June 1, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY, to Gaetana and Francesco Viola, Nina grew up alongside her brother Peter and sister Frances. After losing her father early in life and with her mother working full-time in a coat factory, Nina took on the responsibility of cooking and managing the household. Her strength and devotion to family were evident from an early age.

Nina met and fell in love with Edward “Ed” Gulbrandsen, and they married on June 14, 1963, remaining in Brooklyn briefly, where she worked as a secretary until they eventually settled in upstate New York, to raise their family. Here, along with taking care of her own family, she cared for many of the neighborhood kids, providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for everyone.

A devout Catholic, Nina and her husband raised their children to know God and instilled faith and values in them. They attended weekly Mass while she sang in the Choir. She had a deep love for all of God’s creatures, especially her cats, dogs and the many other pets that brought joy to the family over the years. Affectionately known as “Grammie” to her 12 grandchildren, Nina shared her artistic talents through drawing, painting, knitting, and crocheting. She loved to spend time with them decorating easter eggs, coloring and making pizza bagels. She delighted in making Halloween costumes, birthday cakes, and crafts. She passed these creative gifts on to her children and grandchildren.

Summers were spent camping in the Adirondacks, where Nina transformed simple materials into beautiful crafts. She was the heart of family gatherings, cheering on her husband and children at ballgames, coordinating schedules, and preparing picnic meals.

In 2020, Ed and Nina sold their home of 50 years and moved into an apartment nearby. After Ed’s passing in 2024, she moved into her son’s home where she continue to crochet. On any given day she would be seen getting her nails painted, playing games with kids or grandchildren for hours and even crack a smile or joke around with a sarcastic comment or two, during a conversation.

Antonina and her family extend their sincere appreciation to Kingsway Home Care Services staff and Community Hospice of Albany for their compassionate and dedicated care.

Antonina was predeceased by her husband, Edward Alexander Gulbrandsen; her parents and siblings; and her infant son, Joseph Gulbrandsen.

She is survived by her children: Michael Gulbrandsen, Patricia (Gary) Longnecker, Kathleen Kelly (Tom Billsborrow), John (Linda) Gulbrandsen, Paul (Angela) Gulbrandsen, David (Danielle) Gulbrandsen, Thomas (Amy) Gulbrandsen, Nicholas Gulbrandsen (Tara Imrie), Melissa Gulbrandsen. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Andrew, Ariana, Gabrielle, Morgan, Austin, Eric, Will, Jessie, Vincent (Juniper), Toni, Davyn, and Trinity.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association in Nina’s memory.

“Her love and creativity will live on in every stitch, every shared meal, and every cherished memory. Though she is gone from our sight, she will forever remain in our hearts.”

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on  Friday January 16, 2026 at St. Madeleine Sophie Church 3500 Carman Rd, Schenectady, NY 12303.