MONTGOMERY, Gertha Jean 1920 – 2017
Gertha Montgomery of Calgary, Alberta peacefully passed away on January 19, 2017 at the age of 96 years after a full and rich life.
Gertha was born on September 4, 1920 at Calgary, Alberta to Charles and Minnie Butler. She graduated from the General Hospital School of Nursing in 1943. Gertha then completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing in Ponoka, Alberta before moving to Vulcan where she met her husband, David Montgomery, at the United Church young adults group. They married in 1948 and raised 4 daughters on their mixed farm south of Vulcan. After David’s passing she moved into Vulcan and then to Calgary in 2003 to be nearer to family.
Gertha was very active in the United Church UCW, choir and the Eastern Star and was involved in her daughters’ activities as an Explorer and CGIT leader. In retirement Gertha and David enjoyed travelling to many locations but especially enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren.
Gertha is survived by four daughters, Nancy (Harold) Stein of Leduc, Mary Marcellus of Ft. St. John, B.C., Helen (Alastair) Cull of Princeton Junction, N.J., Eva (Wiley) Auch of Calgary; seven grandchildren, David (Renetta) Stein of Leduc, Shawna (Roland) Polsfut of Airdrie, Dean Marcellus of Ft. St. John, B.C., Graeme and Marina Cull of Princeton Junction, N.J., Kimberley (Zach) Wheeler of Nashville, TN, and Conrad Auch of Calgary; and six great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband David, her son-in-law Bud Marcellus and both of her siblings.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Trinity Lodge and Mayfair Care Centre for the care shown to Gertha over the last few years and a special thank you to the staff of Unit 111 at the Foothills Hospital for their care of Gertha and her family during her last days.
Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 1:30 pm at Vulcan United Church, Sue MacDonald, D.M. officiating. Inurnment Vulcan Cemetery.
Tributes in Gertha’s memory can be made to the Vulcan United Church Memorial Fund, (Box 275, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0) or the Ft. St. John Association for Community Living (10251 100th Ave., Fort St. John, British Columbia, V1J 1Y8).
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Nancy, so sorry to hear about your Mom. I remember all the great times we had with sleepovers. It was always fun. Your Mom was a wonderful lady.
Nancy & Families
Sorry to hear about your mother. I remember spending time at the farm when I was growing up. She was a wonderful lady.
Thank you!
My condolences to all the family. Gertha was a hard working, ambitious, multi-talented woman who loved her family and always wore a smile. She radiated happiness wherever she went!! Gertha was as unique as her name, and a Vulcan pioneer who blessed the community in many, many ways. Our family was fortunate to know her.
Thank you!
Nancy
Helen & Families
So sorry to hear about your mom. Have so many great memories of the farm and sleepovers and your moms hospitality. Hugs!
January 25, 2017
Eva, I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I remember your mom as a very nice person.
So sad to learn of Gertha’s passing. On the positive side, she lived a long and productive life, always friendly and willing to help others. I was a friend of Gertha (and Dave) when we lived in Vulcan and were involved in Eastern Star and Vulcan United Church. After she moved to Trinity Lodge we kept in touch through mail and visits. Our paths crossed again when I realized her granddaughter, Shawna and great granddaughters were involved in my programs at Airdrie Public Library. I regret that I am unable to attend the celebration of life for Gertha. My sympathies are with all the family.
Dearest Montgomery Family,
I just want to offer my condolences to you for losing your mother & friend. Your parents were wonderful people. I loved them. Your whole family has been wonderful to my family and I thank you for that.
Love Sheilah Shaw Featherstone & Family.
We are saddened to learn of Gertha’a passing. She was a very caring, kind person and will be missed by all.v
So sorry to hear of Aunt Gertha’s passing. She was a gentle, kind soul. At 96 she had almost seen a century.
We remember Gertha as a kind and caring person who loved to laugh. Gertha was someone you could always go to for advice and time will not diminish our memories of her.