Netty Shostak

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Antoinette “Netty” Shostak, a
beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, godmother, and friend, who
peacefully departed this world at the remarkable age of 100 on March 26, 2024.

Netty was born, the fourth of seven children, on September 13, 1923, in Astoria, New
York to Jennie and Cosimo Roberto. In January of 1947, Netty married William Shostak,
with whom she shared 55 years of love, companionship, and devotion until his death in
2002. Together, they built a beautiful family and created countless cherished memories
that will be forever treasured by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Netty is survived by her daughters JoAnn Gins and Toni Shostak; her grandson
Matthew Gins and his wife Melinda Gins; her grandson Alex Gardner and his wife Carly
Pratt; and her great-granddaughters Katherine and Madeline Gins.

Netty was a trailblazer. A trained cosmetologist, Netty opened her own salon in 1951,
Netty’s Beauty Salon, across the street from New York Hospital. She later went back to
school to finish her bachelor’s degree and became a high school teacher of
cosmetology in the city of New York. Strong-willed, progressive, and unwavering in her
pursuits, Netty had boundless energy and passion for perfecting her craft.

This extended into her hobbies; chief among them was her love of entertaining others.
Her home was always open, and her table was always full of delicious food and lively
conversation. Netty was always the life of the party and had a gift for making everyone
she met feel welcomed and loved.

As we mourn Netty’s loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and the
countless lives she touched along the way. Her legacy of love, kindness, and resilience
will continue to inspire us all.

A celebration of Nettys life will be held on Thursday April 4, 2024, at Vander Plaat
Funeral Home from 4-8pm. Nettys funeral and burial will follow on Friday April 5, 2024.

Formal funeral services will begin at 10am at Church of the Presentation, after which
she will be laid to rest at Mount St. Mary Cemetery, at approximately 12:30pm. A repass
meal will follow Netty’s burial at Cara Mia Restaurant.

Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories, stories, and laughter as we
honor and remember a remarkable woman who will forever hold a special place in our
hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Netty’s name to a
charity of your choice.

Though she may be gone from our sight, Netty's spirit will live on in the countless lives
she touched and the memories she leaves behind. May she rest in eternal peace,
knowing that she was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Netty Shostak, please visit our floral store.