Gertrude Eva Cretaro

Gert was born in Sydney, New York on November 15, 1924 to John and Eva Serepta (Sutton) Clum. Ernest Cretaro, her husband of 73 years preceded her in death on December 5, 2021. They were married in Ithaca, New York on May 31, 1948. She also was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Helen (Warren) Crandall of Unadilla, New York.

She is survived by two sons, Ron Cretaro of Lee, Massachusetts and Robert “Sam” (Brenda) Cretaro of Pekin and one daughter, Anne (Larry) Adams of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jesse Cretaro of Tarzana, California, Amy (Alessandro) Cretaro Sontuoso of Fullerton, California, Jason (Ashley) Adams of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Marcus Adams of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania; four great-grandchildren; one brother, John Ivan (Gloriene) Clum of Sun Lakes, Arizona and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gertrude grew up in Unadilla, New York and attended Unadilla High School. While attending Ithaca College she met Ernest Cretaro, whom she was to marry. They both majored in physical education.

After moving to Pekin in 1948, she later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois State University. Gertrude was an educator for 32 years in North Pekin, Pekin and South Pekin Grade Schools, retiring in 1987 from South Pekin where she had taught for 27 years. She taught physical education, science and social studies, and was the volleyball and cheerleading supervisor.

Many former students, teachers and others who worked with Gert remember her fairness, kindness, playfulness, and sense of humor. Many of her former students remember Mrs. Cretaro as their favorite teacher.

She worked part-time for the Pekin Park District for 20 years during summers. She managed the old miniature golf course for 17 years and was concessions supervisor for several years. Gert had a special fondness for animals, always having pets of her own; and could often be found tending to injured park wildlife at her own expense. She had been a consistent supporter of TAPS No-kill Animal Shelter.

She loved providing for her kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed shopping, especially for relatives and those in need. Setting a lifetime charitable example had great influence in her three children all pursuing careers in public service to others.

For many years in her retirement, she was devoted to the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action cause and could be found staffing an information table and helping prepare the non-profit Heart of Illinois P.O.W./M.I.A. quarterly magazine (circulation 8,000) alongside her veteran son, Sam, to raise consciousness about the fate of abandoned American servicemen.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Chaplain Steve Hoffman will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, and also one half-hour before the funeral Tuesday, both at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

The family wishes to thank the staff from the Villas of HollyBrook and UnityPoint Health, both in Pekin, who cared for and supported her during the last years and days of her life.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com