Gertrude Badger

Noted Educator Passes

Gertrude Badger was born Emma Gisela Ujhelyi on September 24, 1912 in Lorain, Ohio to Hungarian immigrants. She was one of five children and was predeceased by her three brothers and sister.

Renamed 'Gertrude' by a grade school teacher, she was a graduate of Lorain High school and was fortunate to attend Ohio State University during the Depression. She received from Ohio State a Bachelor of Arts with majors in French and Spanish.

She married Frederick Joe Badger on May 30, 1936 and resided in Akron and Bath, Ohio where she raised two children. Gertrude was an expert contract bridge player and seamstress. However, her love of learning propelled her to return to university and she received a Master's degree in Education from Kent State University.

In 1954 Gertrude began her teaching career, teaching first grade and middle school in the Bath-Richfield School District, Ohio and becoming an expert in teaching reading. Upon attending one of her reading workshops, Gertrude was tapped by the University of Akron to teach Reading Specialization there. She completed most coursework leading to a Doctoral degree but was too valuable to be released to complete a dissertation. She was an expert in Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties, gave Reading workshops throughout Ohio, and supervised student teachers. She also tutored privately.

In 1977 she received Akron University's Teacher of the Year Award. There she established the Gertrude Badger Elementary Education Scholarship. On April 28, 2006, Gertrude was honored at a special reception by Akron University for her outstanding contributions to the University.

Upon retirement, Gertrude and Fred moved to Hendersonville, N.C. where Gertrude held leadership positions with Friends of the Library, American Association of University Women, and her condo Board of Directors. Gertrude was a master bridge player and 'Master Gardener.' She was also the subject of radio interviews and articles for her wisdom and perspectives. In addition, she made jewelry, designed pressed flower cards, and was known for her gracious teas and dinners. She and Fred were members of the Hendersonville Unitarian-Universalist Church.

Gertrude was a lifelong lover of classical music and was an avid reader of science books and articles and the New York Times. She was a lifelong Democrat. She had a wonderful marriage and was predeceased by her husband of 69 years in 2005.

In 2006 she moved to Portland, Oregon to live near her daughter. Surviving family members include daughter Roberta Badger-Cain of Portland, Oregon, son Fred Badger of Bangor, Maine, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, five nieces, and one nephew. She also leaves behind lifelong friend Miriam Osborne of Portland and many friends.

Contributions may be made to the Development Department of The Cleveland Orchestra (where her granddaughter Emma Shook is a violinist) or to The University of Akron Foundation.