Gertrude De Zelaya was born on November 27, 1928. She married her soul mate, Dr. Fausto Zelaya on May 13, 1957. She had five children: Fausto, Concepción (Ken), Gertrudis, Noel (Hypatia) and Maria. She also had seven grandchildren and just recently three great grandchildren.
>> Gertrude, lovingly known as Mami was a devout catholic. She was resilient in spirit and was of strong body and mind. She was a Lioness that protected her family to the end. Her husband called her “The Bible” because she always had a sixth sense of anything bad coming our way and she always put herself in front as a shield.
>> Mami was known everywhere for her kindness and philanthropy. There was no cause too small or too large. If she could help, she would. Everyone loved her for this quality so needed these days in the world.
>> Mami lived a full and privileged life. She was loved, she traveled, she did things that most of us only dream of. She lived a life full of joy, music, but most importantly, faith. This faith was always her guiding light and this faith will accompany her in her next journey.
Services in Florida will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel from 4:00 p.m.-8:15 p.m. at 17250 W Dixie HWY, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160.
The burial will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Menlo Park, California. There will be a viewing at Crippen & Flynn, Woodside Chapel located at 400 Woodside Road, Redwood City, California 94061 from 11:00 am- 1:00 p.m.
Donations may be made to ASPCA , American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, (800)628-0028.