Called to her heavenly home on Dec 30, 2013 at the age of 96 at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Beloved mother of Karen and Don Chubbuck, Helen and Bruce Snyder, Ian and Lilyane Moyer and Janet and Glyn Allen. Treasured grandmother of 14 and great grandmother of 14. Predeceased by husband Donald Campbell Moyer Oct 8, 2003. Eldest daughter of Almour and Marjorie Clarke. Dear sister of Douglas, David (Peggy), Keith (Ruth) and Louise. Predeceased by sister Ruth Roberts and brother Bruce. Former resident of Toronto, Collingwood, Aurora and Parkview Village in Stouffville. Over the years, she loved to spend time with her family, teaching the grandchildren how to bake, writing letters, telling stories, wonderful meals."My foundation through my life has been my trust in the Lord, Bible reading, prayer & public worship." Special thanks to the staff of the palliative care unit of Markham Stouffville Hospital and the staff at Parkview & CHATS.
Visitation will be held at the Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, 905-727-5421 on Wednesday January 1 from 2-4 & 6-8pm. A Funeral Service will be at Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria Street, Aurora on Thursday January 2, 2014 at 11am with reception to follow. Burial at Stouffville Cemetery
Donations can be made to Interserve, Tyndale University or Parkview Village.
Online condolences may be made at www.thompsonfh-aurora.com
Mary Gertrude Moyer
Aug 4, 1917 – Dec 30, 2013
Named after her 2 grandmothers, she was called Mary by her Clarke grandfather, but Gertrude by everyone else. She was born at her van Nostrand grandparents' home in Vandorf, the eldest of 7 siblings and grew up on the Clarke family farm on what is now Kennedy Rd in Whitchurch-Stouffville. It was a lively household with much love and an abiding faith in Jesus. Family was very important, as there were 3 generations who lived together and many extended family members who came to visit.
Gertrude was very close to her sister Ruth, less than 2 years younger than her. They shared many of life’s experiences, including a lovely double wedding ceremony on July 17, 1943. Both Gertrude & Don, and Ruth & Ted were blessed to be able to celebrate 60 years of marriage.
The depression and war years taught Gertrude many life lessons about the value of money, hard work, resourcefulness and being generous. There was still time for singing lessons, skating, swimming and fun in many forms. Laughter, wit & story-telling were part of her character.
Education was important. Gertrude stayed with her grandparents in order to start grade 1 & also boarded at Hillary House in Aurora when she started high school. In grade 10, she got special permission to drive at the age of 15, so she could drive others to school. It was a significant endeavour to complete her nurses’ training at Toronto Western Hospital in 1941. Nursing gave her many opportunities to serve others over the years.
Don & Gertrude began married life in the Beaches area of Toronto where they were delighted to welcome & raise their four children. Summers were spent at the cottage they built on the lake next to the family farm. In 1969 they moved to Collingwood as Don became Principal of Collingwood Collegiate. They enjoyed living at Blue Mountain Farm where Gertrude continued her love of gardening. Hospitality was modelled, and the farm became a welcoming place for visitors, including those needing a home or special attention.
In 1985, she and Don downsized to a new bungalow in Aurora. They continued to travel, particularly going every winter to Florida. Not only did they reconnect with their roots, but they enjoyed making new friends. They were encouraged in the fellowship at Trinity Anglican Church, where the van Nostrands had worshipped.
Gertrude was a loyal friend. She wrote to her pen pal, Mabel, for over 70 years. Throughout the years, she gathered around her other women who shared her love for God. She exhibited a deep & vibrant faith learned from childhood and lived out throughout her life, whether at home, in her communities, or at church. She was baptised at 12. She was encouraged by various women’s prayer groups. She had a deep desire to see all come to know and love her Saviour Jesus.
Gertrude stayed alone in their bungalow for 4 years after Don died, then at 90 she moved into Parkview. At 92, she decided not to renew her driver’s license. At 93 she went to Florida for the last time, & travelled to the weddings of 2 grandsons. Her physical world became smaller, but she appreciated more & more the community support she received at Parkview. Reading was a great comfort to her & she prayed faithfully for her family & Christian workers around the world.
Many women do noble things but you surpass them all….a woman that fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:29, 30b
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