A private inurnment will be held for Gertrude E. Finch who passed away on August 31, 2012 at age 95 in Portland, Oregon. Gertrude was born to James and Margaret (Mills) Ellerby on February 14, 1917 in Portland, Oregon. She grew up in south east Portland and graduated from Girls Polytechnic High School.
In 1934 she married Roy Finch and they moved to Seattle so he could start a career with Boeing. In 1954 Gertrude became the supervisor for housing when she and Roy moved to Adak, Alaska working as civilians for the Navy. In 1959 they decided to move back to Washington where they built a beachside home on seven acres in Port Hadlock, WA.
It was always fun to visit their home and enjoy the beach, in addition to oysters, clamming, and crabbing. In 1982 Gertrude lost her son Jim in an auto accident, and just two short year’s later Roy passed away. In 1986 she married Charles Johnsen and Gertrude decided to sell the home in Port Hadlock, WA and moved with Charlie to sunny Uma, Arizona.
In 1993 Charlie passed away and Gertrude decided to move back to Portland to be cared for by her daughter-in-law Bonnie Finch.
Gertrude dearly loved her faithful canine companions, Katie and Agatha. It always seemed that her dogs not only brought much joy to her life, but also kept Gertrude going. She loved to cook and sew. Gertrude would make clothing, aprons, and dresses. She was a nice person and enjoyed spending time and outings with her daughter-in-law Bonnie.
Gertrude will be missed dearly by her daughter-in-law, Bonnie Finch and her partner George Wrisley; grandson, Richard Finch and her friends & caretakers at Willamette View Retirement Community where she was a resident for the last 10 years.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made in Gertrude’s name to Serenity Hospice for the loving care they gave her in her final days.
Arrangements entrusted to Skyline Memorial Gardens of Portland, Oregon.
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