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Gertrude Pontes Obituary

Gertrude S. Pontes
Norfolk - Gertrude Siegel Pontes, 85, passed away peacefully in her home on March 23, 2013. "Gert" was born and raised in Waukegan, Illinois, a small town just north of Chicago, a place where her and her only sister frequently recalled many fond memories of their teenage years. In 1948, she married Eugene Francis Pontes, a young sailor stationed at nearby Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the newly married couple soon departed for overseas tours in Panama and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 1960, the family moved to Virginia Beach and it was here in Hampton Roads that Gert came to feel most at home. So much so that she made this her residence for over 50 years, most recently as a resident of West Ghent.
Not long after arriving in Hampton Roads, Gert found employment with the J.C. Penney Company at their then new store in Janaf Shopping Center. A dedicated worker, she loved the retail business and worked her way from the position of floor salesperson all the way up to manager of the Ladies Department. In that time the store had moved to the just-opened Military Circle Mall where she led her department at the height of the store's success and popularity during the 70s and 80s. In her nearly 30 years with J.C. Penney she trained countless employees, many in entry level positions such as the one she first took as a young Navy wife. In the years since her retirement, it was quite common for her to run into those co-workers who would thank her profusely for instilling in them the proper way to dress, act, and respond with integrity when working in positions of responsibility and dealing with customers. For many of them, it had been their first job and Gert certainly made it a memorable and valuable experience for them.
Despite her full time employment, Gert was a loving wife and dedicated mother to her three sons. Unfortunately she was predeceased too early in life by her husband and youngest son, William, both of whom were lost to terminal illnesses. Nonetheless, her countless friends that reside in and around Virginia Beach and Ghent will tell you that she soldiered on and maintained a cheerful, fun-loving attitude despite these heartbreaks. She was rewarded for her perseverance in her search for a full and flavorful life during the 1980's when she met her new partner for life, Joseph Mayer, also a long-time Norfolk resident. Joe and Gert made a spirited couple and together they enjoyed the past 24 years living life to the fullest with their many friends. It was Joe who most made Gert comfortable and happy, especially during these last few months as she doggedly battled her illness.
Gert is survived by Joe and two sons, Lee of Coronado, CA and Jerry of Kill Devil Hills, NC. Additionally, to honor her memory there are five grandchildren spread across the country from Florida to California. She was predeceased also by her younger sister, Eileen, who also succumbed to cancer a decade ago.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel with funeral services at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Princess Anne Memorial Park off Great Neck Road. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to a cancer charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.hollomon-brown.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Mar. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Gertrude Pontes

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April 9, 2013

Lee and Karen:

My sincere condolences to you both. I was out of town and just found out about "Gert's" passing. For many years she would call me during "election time" and let me know what "she heard" in her neighborhood or in the grocery store! She will be missed by many! My apologies for not writing sooner. Best, Jeanne Evans-Cox

Margaret Matthias

April 3, 2013

Joe,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and Girt made a great pair.

Stephanie Anten DiPalma

March 27, 2013

Gert was a part of my life since I was born... we stayed in touch even after I moved to California. She was the only person (besides my dad) that could call me by my childhood nickname. RIP Dear Gert. you will be missed! Oor love to Joe, Jerry, Lee and the family.

Beth Cole

March 27, 2013

Dear, Sweet Gert ~
I hope you are dancing away with Bill now. You took so many of us kids under your wing and will be forever missed. Love you and Bill forever....
All my love and best to BOSS AKA, Lee ~ Beth Cole

Donna Standish

March 26, 2013

I will always cherish the fun we had - even at work. You were a great mentor to many of us! I will remember you always. Love to you.

Carolyn Landrum

March 26, 2013

Gert was a legend to the merchandisers who knew her. She was always willing to share her knowledge and to help you if you needed it. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Jim Farmer

March 26, 2013

I remember Gert from my first days at the Military Circle store... she flash that smile of hers, taking a nervous edge off of a skinny, bewildered kid. She was a true inspiration for all whose lives she touched. Forty-plus years later, I still think of her.

March 26, 2013

Gert-- you were a wonderful person and touched many lives.
Rest in Peace. You will be missed by many.
Heidi Pontes Sibert

March 26, 2013

Gert was a wonderful, vibrant person. Her wisdom was vast and I feel lucky to have known her. R.I.P. dear friend. Cary

Bob Welch

March 26, 2013

Joe,

So Sorry, thinking of you
I remember Gert from Janaf days

Jeff and Kathy Stark

March 26, 2013

She was an amazing life force who swept you up in her laughter. She and Joe made quite a pair, our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and the whole family.

David and Esther Lubliner (Anten) and family

March 26, 2013

Joe, Lee, Jerry and family,
Our sympathy and prayers are with you.

Jayne Worsham

March 25, 2013

You were my Mom's best friend - a sister to her and an Aunt to us. Love you always

Jan Anten

March 25, 2013

You were like the sister I never had! Miss you!!

March 25, 2013

Deepest sympathy to Joe and admiration as he tended for Gert day and night at home peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Thanks Joe, Dawn Anderson

Rebecca Shepherd

March 25, 2013

Gert you will always live in our hearts, my peace be with you.

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