GERTRUDE F. GUNDERSON

Gertrude F. Gunderson passed away Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the Riverside Health centre in Rainy River, Ont. in her 91st year.
She was born in Idaho to Florence Arsenault and Albert Langstaff, and moved to Rainy River at the age of six. She married Adolph Gunderson in July, 1936 and together they lived their entire life in Rainy River and raised their family there.
Gertie was an active member of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Women’s League for 52 years. Her favourite saying was “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken.”
She loved children, and throughout her life she tried her best to help others less fortunate than herself. There was always room for one more at the Gunderson table. We shared her egg salad sandwiches and angel food cake with many cousins and extended family.
Gertie was predeceased by her husband, Adolph, and infant daughter, Gladys Gail; sister, Maxine; brothers, Reg and Jack; and two brothers at birth.
She is survived by her children, Allen Gunderson of Toronto, Ont., Carol (Wayne) Knudson of Cary, Ill., Sandra (John) Scott of Rainy River, Ont., and Tim (Tina) Gunderson of White Rock, B.C.
Also surviving are her grandchildren, Ian Scott and Kathy Scott, Nicholas Knudson, Rain Hamm, Jessie Gunderson, and Ayla Gunderson and Roe Gunderson, and their spouses; and great-grandchildren, Nikita Knudson, Jonah, Asa, and Hannah Hamm, and Jackson Scott.
She also is survived by four sisters, Ruth Boissenault of Calgary, Alta., Jean (John) Boretski of Baudette, Mn., Fern (Sid) Conway of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Gwen (Larry) Nordin of Bergland, Ont.
Gertie had many friends at the Rainy River Long Term Care Centre, whom the family thanks for their love, kindness, and generosity.
Family and friends will be received Wednesday, July 16, 2008 from 7-9 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Rainy River, with prayers offered at 7:30 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held there Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. Dan Debano Celebrant.
Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Riverside Health Health Centre c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com