Gertrude Juanita Moore

Gertrude Juanita (Slaughter) Moore, affectionately known as “Gert,” Aunty Nana, Ms. Brown, and Little Nana, was born on July 31, 1937, in the Bronx, NY. The eldest of four, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Annette Smith, Bertha Slaughter, and James Slaughter Jr.—born to James and Cynthia Slaughter.

In 1954 Gertrude graduated from The All-Girls Technical High School in Brooklyn where she concentrated in home economics. Gertrude married Frank Brown (deceased) in 1958, and they welcomed their daughter Lisa Michelle Brown in 1960. Gert met the love of her life, Hyman Moore in 1967. They moved to Boston in 1969 and were blessed with daughter, Nicole Cheri Moore in 1975. In the mid 1980’s Gertrude attended Wheelock College where she studied Early childhood education.

Mild-mannered and soft-spoken, Gert protected her family, much like a lioness with her cubs. Her life was a tapestry woven from devotion to family, childcare, and the joy of home-cooked meals. Among her greatest joys was spending quality time with her loved ones, completing crosswords or jigsaw puzzles, and getting lost in the pages of her vast book collection. At one point, she owned over 400 books, each of them read and cherished.

Gert also had a passion for American history, and her knowledge of pop culture was hilarious. She enjoyed listening to her favorite artists, Kenny G., Pattie LaBelle, Wynton Marsalis, DJ Grandmaster Flash, Doug E. Fresh and Snoop Dogg. She was also famous for her signature dishes like her legendary German chocolate cake, vibrant fruit salad, and comforting eggplant parmesan which became beloved family traditions.

Her dedication to childcare, teaching, and mentoring was evident through her work at several educational institutes including ABCD-Dorchester, Lincoln Public Schools, Paige Academy-Roxbury, Pumpkin Patch-Marblehead, and Marblehead Public School, all of which her children or grandchildren attended. This thoughtful career path allowed her to remain closely involved in their lives, keeping a loving and watchful presence while pursuing her passion for education and shaping the lives of countless children beyond her own family.

Gertrude is survived by her daughters Lisa Brown and Nicole Moore; her grandchildren, Kelly Young IV, Robert N. Brown (Courtney Clark), Nia King (Tyler King), and her great-grandsons Tai King, Zion Brown and Cassius King.

She will always remain in the loving hearts of the Moore family, as well as her nieces and nephews; Vivian Smith-Barnes, Joseph Smith, Cynthia Smith-Reed, Duane Harrison, Stephen Smith, Shayler Barnes, Griselda Smith, and Richard Roebuck. Gertrude will be missed by her cousins Leslie Allicks, Jeanette Dean, Eliza Dean, Keith Nicholson, Vivian Nicholson, Loretta Jones and family and a host of great grand nieces and nephews.

Gert undoubtedly lived a life full of love and meaning. She peacefully departed this life on July 31, 2025, held in the arms of her daughter Lisa, while surrounded by youngest daughter Nicole, and her future son-in-law, Rob Brown.

If asked whether she lived the full circle of life, she would most certainly answer with her favorite quote: “Been there. Done that.” Her laughter filled every room, and her wisdom guided us through life's challenges. Mom was the light that will forever shine in our hearts.