Gertrude Dutlinger

Gertrude Dutlinger VIRGINIA BEACH - Gertrude Dutlinger, born Gertrude Zigouras, Nov. 5, 1917, in Brockton, Mass., the third of eight children born to Costas and Caliope Zigouras, died Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, surrounded by her three loving daughters, Susan Olitsky married to Norman Olitsky of Norfolk, Katherine Dutlinger and Linda Crooks of Virginia Beach. Gertrude was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, William D. Dutlinger in Norristown, Pa., which is where they raised their three girls. Gertrude moved to Virginia Beach after the death of her husband and ultimately all of her immediate family settled in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Gertrude was one of three surviving children, having been predeceased by her sisters, Thelma, Janet, Floss, Ethel and Emily. She has many nieces and nephews scattered throughout the country who will not forget their Aunt Gert, as well as a sister, Bess Mitchell of California and brother, Arthur Zigouras of New York City. Gertrude's life mantra - smile, be kind and think of others rather than yourself - manifested in a life of complete selflessness. Her three grandchildren, Heather Short and husband Jas, Lyn Cherry and husband Taylor, John Crooks and wife Ashley were such a large part of her life and they feel very blessed to have had "Gammy" in their lives. Gammy's eight great-grandchildren, Andrew Cherry, Brock Short, Luke Short, Jack Short, Matthew Cherry, Kate Short, Anna Grace Cherry and Addison Crooks, each believed they truly were her favorite. The joy they brought to her life and the life they gave her filled her cup to overflowing. First and foremost, Gertrude was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking for family at our many family get-togethers. The planning, preparation and execution would keep her very busy and happy in addition to making family members happy and well-fed. After family, her favorite pasttime was playing cards - poker, bridge or a family game called "May I." She enjoyed the challenge and the camaraderie equally. We will all miss her successes. There will be a memorial service Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 3 p.m. in H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach. The family requests that anyone wishing to remember Gertrude, please consider one of her two favorite charitable organizations: Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Inc., 740 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451 or the Salvation Army, 2093A General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Online condolences may be sent to hdoliver.com.