Gertrude C. Goettler's Obituary
It is with both sorrow and celebration that we announce the passing of Gertrude C. Goettler (Williams), a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend, who departed this life on January 14, 2025, at the age of 104. Born on July 1, 1920, in Pittsburgh, PA, she will forever be one of the last remaining of the "Greatest Generation" to leave us. A true bygone era.
One year after the women's suffrage amendment to the constitution was ratified in 1919, allowing all women to now finally vote in every state the following year, Gertrude was welcomed into the world by her parents, Howard and Clara Williams. Some of the other events she experienced during her lifetime: Milk still delivered by horse drawn carriage, the birth of the League of Women Voters, the roaring 20's, the Great Depression, WWII, the atomic age, the baby boom, the start of the Cold War, the New Deal and the Fair Deal that expanded the middle class of America following WWII, the Korean War, the building of the American highway system, the birth of Rock-n-Roll, President Kennedy's Assassination, black-n-white and then color TV, the polio and small pox vaccines, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Dr. King's assassination, the hippie generation and the turbulent 60's, Bobby Kennedy's assassination, Vietnam, the moon landings, barriers removed for women to have their own credit, MTV, Reaganomics, the end of the Cold War and the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, Oklahoma City Bombing, Clinton's Impeachment, 9/11, our first black President, Trump's first term, Trump's Impeachment, the Ukrainian and Israeli conflicts... and she never had COVID.
Gertrude, also called Gert by family and friends, was a proud domestic engineer and humanitarian, a role in which she excelled. She was a loving mother to her children: Paul Goettler, Patricia Lonero, and the late William D. Goettler. In her heart always was her late brother, Howard Williams (a WWII veteran who survived the second wave that stormed the beaches of Normandy), as well as her grandchildren, Thomas Lonero, William (Amy) Lonero, and Ryan G. Goettler. Gertrude's legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Brittany (Blake) Pavlik, Dayna (Joe) DeFelice, Ricky Lonero, Lexi Lonero, DiMaggio Lonero, Roman Lonero, Luke Goettler, and Layla Goettler, as well as numerous great, great grandchildren.
Gertrude also held a special place in her heart for her niece, Laura (Jeffery) Liggett and their three children Carrie (Mathew) Lutz, Inza (Ken) Duchi, and Jeffery D. Liggett as well as all of her great, great nieces and nephews.
Her heart was as boundless as her compassion. Gertrude was one of the original workers for Meals on Wheels, passionately delivering for over a decade, a warm meal to those in need and brightening their days with her vibrant presence. She also shared her love of learning and faith by teaching Sunday School, where she inspired countless young minds. She was a proud member of St. Marks Evangelical Church in Brookline for well over half a century.
In her free time, Gertrude delighted in camping trips with her family, particularly at her campground near Moraine State Park, where laughter and love were abundant. Her marriage in 1951 to her loving husband George Goettler, a navy veteran who served during WWII, marked the beginning of a partnership that blossomed through joy and challenges, but was always grounded in mutual support. Together they were half owners of a bar and restaurant in the Allentown neighborhood for several decades called Reisinger's Cafe, where Gertrude worked the restaurant, while her husband George, worked the bar.
Gertrude's life was a tapestry woven with service, love, laughter, and cherished memories. A memorial service to honor her remarkable journey will be held on January 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather at 401 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, to celebrate her extraordinary life.
As we gather to remember Gertrude, we celebrate her legacy of kindness, her unwavering commitment to family, and her vibrant spirit that will forever shine in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mark's Meals on Wheels in Brookline. Online condolences can be made at www.jeffersonmemorial.com
What’s your fondest memory of Gertrude?
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Share a story where Gertrude's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gertrude you’ll never forget.
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