Gertrude Zwicker

Gertrude B. Zwicker NORFOLK - Gertrude Beacher Zwicker, 87, passed away July 7, 2009, at Churchland House Assisted Living in Portsmouth where she resided for the past four years. She resided in Norfolk for most of her childhood and adult life. She lived many years on Jenifer Street in Snug Harbour. Born in Edenton, N.C., Nov. 2, 1921, she was daughter of the late Henry Beacher Forehand and Gertie (Harris) Forehand. Her mother passed away three days after giving birth, leaving baby Gertrude and her sister, Wessie (Forehand) Griffin (Louis E. Griffin) of Norfolk, and brother, the late Wesley J. Forehand, without a mother. Her father remarried in Edenton, but baby Gertrude was taken to Norfolk and raised by her father's sister, the late Nonie A. Forehand and her late husband John Calvin Forehand. Their family included five late daughters, Mrs. Alma (Forehand) Rogister, Mrs. Edith (Forehand) Sanford, Mrs. Elizabeth (Forehand) Hill, Mrs. Gertrude (Beacher/Forehand) Zwicker, and Mrs. Hazel (Forehand) Jones, plus the late son, William E. Forehand and sons, Thomas E. Forehand and Fred L. Forehand. Upon the remarriage by Gertrude's father, the late Henry B. Forehand, additional daughters included Mrs. Dorothy (Forehand) Schroeder and Mrs. Maybelle (Forehand) Hollowell, plus two sons, Thomas H. Forehand and Glenn W. Forehand. Gertrude met her first husband, Harold F. Littlefield, at Ocean View Amusement Park and was married in 1939. He was in the U.S. Navy assigned to Torpedo Squadron Six stationed aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). He was a radioman and rear seat gunner of an airplane engaged in operations against the enemy during the Battle of Midway June 4, 1942. He was reported "missing in action" from that battle and was never recovered. As a result, their son, Harold F. Littlefield Jr., never got to see his father. Gertrude's second husband, the late William H. Zwicker, also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a ship's cook and was stationed aboard L.S.M. 384 with the amphibious force in the Pacific Theater. They were married Sept. 17, 1943. Gertrude leaves two sons, Harold F. Littlefield with wife Debbie of Portsmouth and Jack H. Zwicker with wife Miranda of Wellsburg, W.Va.; plus several grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was active in the woman's social group the Degree of Pocahontas, Council Okee No. 44, Order of Red Men for several years in the 50s and 60s. Many train trips were enjoyed with her lady friends going to conventions about the state of Virginia for the organization. She enjoyed traveling, golf, bowling, fishing, dancing, and tennis, mostly in her younger days. She loved to be with her friends to see the Tidewater Tides play baseball. She was a competitive duckpin bowler into her later years. Gertrude was a Baptist by faith and attended Bayview Baptist Church and in her later years, Brendwood Baptist Church. She was always fun to be with, and spent many hours helping friends work at the local flea market. Her special friends, Kathy, John and Linda, Lee, and Helen will miss her. She worked several part-time jobs: food demonstrator, packing frozen foods, grading and packing eggs, waitress at a drug store, plus took care of children in her home for several working parents. She was also a housewife. A special "Thank You" is offered to Gertrude's granddaughter, Cammie J. Phillips of Chesapeake, for the attention and love she provided her grandmother while living in the assisted living facility. A graveside service for the family was held July 10, 2009 at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk. Gertrude was buried next to her husband, William H. Zwicker, at the Avenue of Flags. The service was preformed by Pastor W. Joe Newman of Chesapeake. Her great- granddaughter, Sarah, played on the violin, "Amazing Grace." After the service, a luncheon was held for the family at the home of Cammie and her husband Chris Phillips. A special thanks to the Churchland Home staff for there care and kindness during Gertrude's stay. Gertrude's favorite saying was: "It's a good life, if you don't weaken." Gertrude was truly loved by her family and will be missed by many. May she rest in peace! Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.woodlawngroup.com.