Gertrude C. Lacourse

Gertrude C. (Desrochers) Lacourse, 103, of Manchester, died September 3, 2021 at her home after a period of declining health. She was predeceased by her husband, Dollard Lacourse in 1981 and her brother, Gerard Desrochers and his wife, Rita and an infant brother, Georges Desrochers.

She is survived by three children, Linda Burke and her husband, Thomas, of Chester NH, Louis Lacourse and his wife, Faye, of Alton NH and Paul Lacourse and his wife, Joan, of Manchester. She also leaves six wonderful grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Gertrude had a strong, independent spirit that carried her through an amazing life that spanned more than a century. She was born during WWI in St. Charles Limoilou, Quebec, Canada on November 24, 1917 to Louis and Virginie (Lambert) Desrochers.

At that time Woodrow Wilson was president, there were only 48 states, and women had not yet earned the right to vote.

She overcame considerable adversity in her early life, losing her father when she was only 5 years old and living in St Peter's orphanage until her early teens. She was proud to have attended Holy Angels School, West High School and later, night school while also holding a job. She worked in retail for many years and even modeled in local ladies stores. She retired to raise her family and later returned to work for many years at Lord's and Rich's department stores.

At 75 she really retired and enjoyed life with her six grandchildren and now 11 great grandchildren. She was close to them all and attended many of their activities and those of her well-loved nieces and nephews.

Gertrude was an artistic and independent person who always put her family first. She maintained her own household, had all her wits about her along with an impressive memory with recall of fantastic details....and in true fashion, she left this world on her own terms, asleep in her own bed surrounded by family after an enviable fight against cancer.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine Church, 267 Webster St., Manchester. Committal prayers will follow at Mt. Calvary Mausoleum, 474 Goffstown Rd., Manchester.

Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, The American Legion or to www.kids-care2018.org.

To leave a message of condolence, see the obituary at www.lambertfuneralhome.com