Phyllis R Gertis

Born August 24, 1932 in Olean, New York, Mrs. Gertis spent her formative years in Bradford, PA. Upon graduating high school, she attended The Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing where she was President of Student Government and an officer of her 1953 graduating class. She then accepted a work-study position to provide treatment for those afflicted with tuberculosis at the Trudeau Sanatorium in Saranac Lake, NY, and while there met her future husband, Gerald T. Gertis, an East Aurora resident studying forestry at nearby Paul Smith’s College. They married in 1955 and shortly thereafter settled in an old farmhouse in “downtown” West Falls. While Gerald furthered his education to become a licensed land surveyor and served two years stateside during the Korean War, Phyllis continued The Nightingale Pledge made as a nurse by serving in varying capacities, including head nurse at Buffalo General at the time of her early retirement in support of her husband’s expanding professional success and to care for their growing family.

Mrs. Gertis’ commitment to creating an impact in her community started shortly after her marriage as an active member of the Jayncees. Long before her daughters were old enough to participate in Girl Scouts, she was the leader of a Senior Troop, and her leadership continued during her daughters’ involvement. Later her interest shifted to 4-H programs, which serviced all youth, where she contributed her leadership and skills to the many programs offered. She chaired various committees and organizations associated with the West Falls Elementary School and local Presbyterian churches. She was a community member involved in the development of programming for the Town of Aurora Department of Parks and Recreation.

Always interested in the wellbeing of others, Mrs. Gertis was a member of the small steering committee responsible for bringing “unofficial” hospice home care services to the Towns of Aurora, Marilla and Wales, serving also as its first volunteer nurse. As a participant in the Nurses’ Health Study since its inception in 1976, the medical community and public have benefitted by the information and data she and others provided over the decades. She regularly volunteered with the American Red Cross and was particularly proud of her recognition for blood donations in excess 100-plus gallons during her lifetime. Perhaps her most memorable and favorite undertaking was raising five puppies for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

Shortly before her husband’s death in 1993, they acquired a home in Las Vegas where Mrs. Gertis returned every fall through 2016 and continued her civic responsibility as a docent with the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, volunteering with AARP, and more. During that period, her sense of adventure and interest in learning were satisfied by the many exceptional educational travel experiences, nationally and internationally, offered through Road Scholar and similar programs. She maintained extensive journals of her travels and developed a particular interest in the lives of the many Native American Tribes of the Southwest U.S. as well as the environment.

Rarely inactive, Mrs. Gertis enjoyed furniture refinishing, basket-weaving, embroidery, and quilting. In addition, she was an avid Bills fan from their beginning in 1960 holding season tickets for many years.

Mrs. Gertis passed away June 14, 2022, survived by her children, Jeffrey (Sandi), Jill (late Mark Zilker) and Polly (Mitchell) Carner, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and long-time special friend Charles L. Clark, who are all grateful for her many years. Her various interests, wisdom, encouragement, wit and zest for life will be missed.

A Life Celebration service for family and friends will be held at Griffins Mills Presbyterian Church on July 1, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a time for sharing and luncheon at a location to be announced. Flowers gratefully declined. Those wishing may make memorials to the Griffins Mills Presbyterian Church, 1807 Mill Road, West Falls, NY 14170, in appreciation for its kindness and to support its historical preservation.