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I didn't know Gertrude well, which is my loss, since she obviously was a special person loved by many. Poetry and my friend Maggie were our common links. I know her last journey was a peaceful one.
May Gertrude's delight in life and conneciton to all the living and growing beings she encountered be an inspiration to all of those who were so tenderly touched by her joy, love and creativity. We are all encouraged by her life and living to smile and laugh and truly see what life puts before us every day.
What a beautiful attitude in life and beautiful photos. Gertrude was a beautiful person! I feel so fortunate to have known her. Love to her four daughters.
Dear Family of Gertrude's,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have lost an outstanding and quite wonderful mother.
I was a friend of Gertrude's, here at Southgate at Shrewsbury, where she lived just down the hall from me. I remember well, sitting in her living room as she told me the story of her family during the Holocaust, her escape, and her marriage to Walter (I knew him also when he lived here till his death.)
Gertrude, at the time, was writing her poetry on all sorts of notebook papers, and we once had an exhibit of our hobbies here, and the walls of the hallway, leading to the room where other hobbies were exhibited, were plastered with her poems and also explanations of them.
Gertrude also started the first paper drive we had here, rounding up volunteers to collect the papers and put them where they were taken off to a recycling place. After she left here, we didn't have such a drive again until this year.
When Gertrude became the first Poet Laureate of Worcester, I felt her portrait should have been posted in one of Worcester's prominent halls, and since I am a professional portrait painter, I wrote to the then Mayor Lukes, offering to paint her portrait. I never got a reply to my letter. (I had not mentioned my request to Gertrude, as I didn't want her to be disappointed if they didn't take me up on it.) I would still be willing to paint her portrait, if anyone in the family would like it done.
I still remember Gertrude beaming, as she walked down the hall with her three children, all happily holding hands. She had great love for her family.
Sincerely,
Margaret Kranich
Celia,
I am truly sorry for your loss.Your mother lived an extraordinary life and taught her children well. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family at this time.
Angela