A Tribute to Gertrude

Celebrating a Life Well-Lived

Born on May 23, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York, Gertrude Conway was the cherished and only child of Gertrude McEntee and Harry Conway. From an early age, Gertrude held a profound admiration for her parents, who shaped her into the remarkable individual she became. Her father, a talented men's clothing designer, worked alongside a circle of Italian tailors in New York City.  Her mother was a credit and finance manager with Mark Cross—a prestigious English leather goods merchant. This high-end store in Manhattan was where her mother's proficiency in bookkeeping came to light, especially during a memorable incident where she was called out of retirement to resolve a one penny discrepancy.

Gertrude's childhood was filled with fond memories, often revolving around the Sundays she spent swimming with her father, and the delightful dinners where her father would dance with her mother before insisting Gertrude dance with him as well. These moments of joy and familial bond were treasured by Gertrude and remained vivid in her recollections. However, her father's untimely death when she was just 12 years old marked a significant turning point in her life. Her mother, demonstrating immense resilience and fortitude, returned to work outside the home to support them. They lived together until her mother's passing in 1977.

Growing up, Gertrude was a spirited and active child, with a penchant for sports and adventure. She reveled in the thrill of scaling rooftops, leaping from garages, and riding car bumpers on her roller skates in her neighborhood. Proudly declaring, "I was the only girl who did that!" Gertrude encapsulated the essence of a trailblazer. Her summers were enriched by her time at Camp Kokosing, where her love for sports flourished. Over the next four decades, she cultivated her skills in bowling, tennis, and golf, finding particular joy in bowling and tennis at the legendary Knickerbocker Field Club. Gertrude's prowess in bowling was such that she earned a place in competitions typically reserved for men, showcasing her determination and talent by often emerging victorious. In her later years, Gertrude developed an affinity for football and basketball, frequently offering color commentary during televised games, a testament to her enduring love for sports.

Gertrude was an excellent student and received a New York State Regents Diploma when she graduated from St. Bendan's High School. The day after she graduated, she went to work and never stopped. She attended secretarial school, mastering shorthand, which she used throughout her life. Her career as an Executive Secretary was notable; she provided her expertise to various companies and industries in Manhattan. Gertrude often said, "I would only take a job for the president or CEO of a company, nothing less," and "They liked me because I didn't discuss their business with anyone!" She not only offered top-quality office support but was frequently entrusted with handling personal and personnel matters for her employer. Gertrude took pride in her long career, retiring at 70 when she would have had to learn computers to keep doing the best job.

Always looking forward in her career and life, Gertrude enrolled in Marymount College's weekend program at age 59 and received her bachelor's degree with a major in English Literature. During her time studying at Marymount, she worked full time and began to travel through the college's travel program. Her love for travel continued well into her retirement with trips to far-flung places such as China, India, and Russia. She also explored most of Europe, including Turkey, Israel, Poland, and many other countries.

In her retirement years, Gertrude became involved with Assumption Church in Brooklyn Heights, working tirelessly on parish shows, dinners, and events by selling tickets, creating and distributing fliers, and assisting with whatever tasks she was asked to undertake. In her later years, she became an usher at the 5:00 p.m. mass and dedicated herself to straightening hymnals and other books in the pews and tending to the votive candles. When the church reopened after COVID, she eagerly greeted and welcomed people, offered masks, and reminded everyone to "sanitize!" As a do-er, Gertrude participated in clean-up days, dinners and particularly loved to be part of the Blessing of Animals for the feast of St. Francis. She was an avid dog lover and would stop on her walks to greet and pet every dog in Brooklyn Heights.

When Gertrude reached her 100th birthday, there was a lovely celebration to honor her in the parish hall and other celebrations with family and friends to mark her milestone. In the past year, she slowed down a great deal as age began to catch up with her.  She relocated to Delaware and received great support from the staff at Brandywine Senior Living in Rehoboth Beach. Her medical care through Beebe hospital nurses, doctors and staff was compassionate and she repeatedly expressed her gratitude for their care in her several hospitalizations. Her final illness was brief, and she entered eternity with the grace of the sacraments and surrounded by those she loved. Her last act was to blow a kiss goodbye.

Gertrude will be missed dearly, but we know she is finally with her parents and celebrating that happy reunion. We rejoice in the fulfillment of your pilgrimage, Gertrude, but we will miss you.