Gertrud J. Nicholson

GERTRUD J. NICHOLSON JUL 14, 1926 - NOV 16, 2010 Gertrud Jesina (Jessie) Nicholson was born on July 14, 1926 in Berlin, Germany. Jessie was raised during the early years of the Hitler regime. Her mother was an outspoken foe of Hitler, which cost her her life. Jessie's mother told her what to do if something was to happen to her. Coming home from school, Jessie saw Gestapo cars in front of her home. With the clothes she was wearing and small change in her pocket, she fled toward Italy. Some weeks later after scrounging food and rides at night, she finally reached her distant relative in Italy. Imagine a 14-year-old girl traveling at night and hiding days. She lived in Italy until British troops overran the Germans. She was placed in a displaced persons camp for years before going back to Germany. She learned to speak a little English while in the camp, so she was able to get a job in Berlin. She married a US soldier, who was transferred to California's Presidio. Jessie married Richard Nicholson in 1978. Jessie recently became ill and was moved to the Alexander Cohen Hospice House where she passed away on November 16, 2010. She leaves her husband, Dick, and two stepdaughters, Judy Eubank (Hall), of Modesto, and Peggy Sellers (Jerry) of West Linn, OR., and their respective families. There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to: Community Hospice Foundation, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto Ca., 95356 www.modbee.com/obituaries