GERT D’AGOSTINI

GERT D’AGOSTINI
Gertrude Cynthia Ann McMullen D’Agostini, born in Westmeath, Ont. in 1921, passed away at her home in Fort Frances, Ont. on April 17, 2007.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dino; sisters, Fosty and Ethel; and her nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Caro McMullen; sister, Edith; brothers, Stanley and Norris.
Gert lived “down home” in the Ottawa Valley until 1947, when she was called to Sudbury, Ont. to help a friend. It was there she met Dino and they were married in 1951.
In 1955, Gert and Dino moved to Thunder Bay, Ont., where she taught at King’s Business College, and then to Fort Frances in 1963.
Gert was an outstanding athlete, winning championships in both golf and curling, and she loved the outdoors, where she and Dino and their faithful pet, “Kernel”, spent many happy hours bird hunting and fishing.
She was famous for her “green thumb” that she developed as “the old hayseed from the Ottawa Valley,” and shared the produce from her garden plots with all her neighbours.
Always proud of her Irish roots, Gert often could be found at the piano with her many friends gathered around, singing Irish tunes and old-time hymns.
Her favourite celebration was St. Patrick’s Day, when the gang gathered in the “rec room” at 811 Fifth for a “nip and a pint” and song.
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 20, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Jack Cameron officiating.
In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make a donation to a charity of their choice.