Gertrude Mae “Gertie” Strand, 99 of Rainycrest Long Term Care, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away at her residence Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008.
Gertie’s family moved to Fort Frances when she was a young girl. Raised in Fort Frances, she later met and was united in marriage to John Strand on April 20, 1933. Following their marriage, they raised their family in Fort Frances.
In her early years, she helped in the community by canvassing for various charities. Gertie was always seen on the go everywhere, whether it be on her bicycle or walking across town to shop or visit with family and friends.
No matter where she travelled, Gertie made many lasting friendships throughout her life. She also loved the outdoors and picking wildflowers. She was always very helpful to everyone and never expected anything in return. She was a hard worker, kind-hearted, and a wonderful mother and great cook.
Gertie will be missed dearly by her family and friends alike.
She is survived by one daughter, Shirley and husband, Gerald Nixon, of Fort Frances, Ont., and their sons, Wayne Nixon and wife, Danette, of Devlin, Ont., Gary Nixon and wife, Diana, of Fort Frances, Ont., Wendell Nixon of Edmonton, Alta., and daughter, Wendy Nixon-Wright of Toronto, Ont.; son, John Strand Jr. and wife, Tracy, of Florence, Ariz. and their daughters, Nicole of International Falls, Mn. and Traci of Reno, Nev.; and son, Robert (Bob) Strand and wife, Ann, of International Falls, Mn., and their children, Robert, James, Paul, and Sheryl and their families.
Also surviving are two sisters, Margaret and Alice; two brothers, Harry and John; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Agnes Miller; husband, John Strand in 1966; one son, Art Strand; two daughters-in-law, Ina and Rosemairi; two sisters, Agnes and Beatrice; and four brothers, Sylvester, Lawrence, George, and Edward.
Cremation will take place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Mn.
A memorial service to celebrate Gertie’s life will be held Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of Gertie’s family and friends.
Should family or friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, 1100 A. Christie Ave., N., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3W3 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com..
Fort Frances Times
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