Gertrude Pollack

Died peacefully at home on August 25, 2018. Born in Beckum, Westphalia, Germany Oct. 26, 1923, to parents Anna & Ernst Stein. Escaped holocaust in 1937, via Belgium & Argentina, to New York City in 1940. Learned French, Spanish & English en route. Attended Bentley School, Long Island University, and Columbia Dental School. Earned dental hygiene certification and Bachelor of Science from Columbia University.

Married fellow German refugee Kurt Rosenberg M.D. in 1946. Children Ralph Jay 1947, Gary Steven 1949, Alan Mark 1953. After Kurt's death in 1970 she traveled, took courses in photography and other subjects, and worked as a dental hygienist until she married Joseph Pollack in 1981.

Trude lived in Forest Hills, Queens, NY for 78 years, the final 62 at her current home. She died peacefully at home, in the company of loved ones, after a long illness.

Trude had a calm quiet strength that came from deep cultural, social, and scientific roots. Her intelligence and curiosity enabled her to explore and learn in many domains. Her self confidence and unselfishness enabled her to do so without seeking or needing the props and symbols of worldly success. In turbulent times, her honest clear vision was a reliable guide for her and for others near her. She set a good example. She lived well.

Predeceased by husbands Dr. Kurt Rosenberg and Joseph Pollack, and son Gary. Survived by her sons Ralph and Alan, daughter-in-law Kathryn, granddaughters Anne, Tracy and Kate, and their husbands, Tibor, Justin and Daniel, great grandsons, Ezra and Alan, nieces Janet, Vivian and Lydia, stepdaughters Gail, Leona and Pamela and grandchildren Sam and Julia.

Private funeral services handled through Schwartz Brothers Memorial Chapel in Forest Hills, NY.

In lieu of flowers please send donations towards Alzheimer’s research, in Trude’s memory.