Gertrude ‘Goldie’ Unger Wetter was born on May 14, 1924 to Charles and Anna Lichtig Unger who, as teenagers, had immigrated from Poland to America in search of a better life. Goldie grew up in Coney Island, Brooklyn where her parents owned and operated the Boulevard, a 24 hour cafeteria-style restaurant on Mermaid Avenue. Her siblings, Sidney, Helen and Ebby helped out at the restaurant, where Goldie was the cashier. Goldie always spoke of how hard her parents worked and that ‘times were tough’ during the Depression. But her family had the support and love of many aunts, uncles and cousins who lived nearby and she had fond memories of that close-knit family, sharing meals and friendship. Goldie graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School, then secretarial school, whereupon she worked for the U.S. First Army on Governors Island during World War II.
Following the War, Goldie met Martin ‘Marty’ Wetter at a Jewish Community Center dance. They married on Halloween and celebrated 62 years together before his passing. Marty commuted on the BMT to his job in the Garment District in the City, while Goldie remained at home and raised (along with the village of her sister, mother and aunt) their two daughters, Joan and Ellen. She ultimately worked as a paraprofessional for the City of New York at Midwood High School, a job she truly enjoyed and where she cultivated many lasting friendships.
Goldie was frank, sassy, and liked being “fah-pitzed”, always looking her best. She most valued time spent with family and friends, especially sharing meals. She loved shopping, playing mahjong, walking with Marty and sharing a beach umbrella.
Goldie cared for Marty until his passing, when upon turning 90 years old, she moved from her apartment in Brooklyn to Greensboro to be near daughter, Joan. She said at the time ‘I used to look outside my
window and see bricks and now I see trees’. She was very happy living at Abbotswood, sharing dinner, walks and songs with the ‘Girls’, Helen, Halina, Illein, Joan & Muriel. But most of all she enjoyed the kind and constant companionship of Seymour Wechsler.
We want to thank Ingrid Kearney, Tammy Brown and all the compassionate and loving women who supported Goldie these past years.
She is predeceased by her parents Charles and Anna, husband Marty, brother S. Sidney Unger, and sister and best friend ‘Aunt’ Helen Unger. She is lovingly remembered by brother, Edwin ‘Ebby’ Unger; daughters, Joan (Sig) Gould and Ellen (Mark Brenner) Wetter; grandchildren Rebecca Gould (Todd) Levin, Jason (Meganne) Gould, Michael (Jenny) Gould, Anna ‘A.A.’ Brenner; and great-grandchildren, Hannah, Avery, Raina, Sophy, Aidan and Charlie.
To honor Goldie’s life, please consider making a memorial donation to: Alzheimer’s Association, Susan G. Komen, HIAS, Jewish Family Services of Greensboro, Beth David Synagogue or a charitable organization of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18