Gertrude R. Kane – Gert Kane passed away peacefully at the Christian Health Home, Wyckoff N.J. on Friday, September 23, 2022 after a short stay. She was 103 years old. Born on November 15, 1918 to the late Jack and Josephine Kirley, Gert was predeceased in 1975 by her loving husband Edward Kane. At the age of six Gert moved from Park Slope Brooklyn to the Westerleigh section of S.I. where her parents operated an Ice, Coal and Oil Company for many years. Gert graduated from her beloved Notre Dame Academy in 1936. At her passing she was the oldest living alum. After working at her parent’s oil company (Kirley Oil), Gert spent a 50 year career in the Insurance industry as a Commercial Underwriter in N.Y.C. and on the island, retiring from The Maloy Agency, Inc. in 1994. Gert and Ed moved to Great Kills in 1957 where they raised their three children. In addition to being a working mother, Gert was a long time Hillside Swim Club member, an active volunteer throughout her life as President of the St. Clare’s Mother’s Guild, Chapter Chairwoman of the Manresa Columbiettes, Board Member of the Women’s Propeller Club - Port of New York, Board member of the S.I. Association of Insurance Women and fund raiser for Notre Dame Academy High School. Gert vacationed often in Florida and the Jersey shore but enjoyed most summering in Pemaquid Point, Maine with her daughter and family. Gert was a caring, strong and independent person who loved her family and through her life enjoyed many friendships across the island. A special thanks to the caring professionals and staff at Christian Health Home along with Northwell Health University Hospice, wonderful neighbors and her homecare attendant Sabrina Harrington. In addition to her husband Edward, Gert was predeceased by her sister Jacqueline Publicover, brothers-in-law Larry Publicover, Lucien Bliss, Peter Schwimer, sister-in-law Margaret Schwimer and son-in-law Peter E. Brown.
Survivors include her sister Dina Bliss, children Kathleen Brown, Jack Kane (Doe), Ned Kane (Mickey) grandchildren, Allison Hammer (Keith), Jared Brown (Tina), Erinn Larsen (Brett), Meghan Kane, Brendan Kane, great grandchildren Cole Hammer, Maeve Rory Larsen and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great grandnieces and great grandnephews.
A visitation for Gert will be held Wednesday September 28, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Ave, Staten Island, N.Y. 10308. A funeral service will occur Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Clare Church, 110 Nelson Ave, Staten Island N.Y. 10308. A committal service will follow at Ocean View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, in Gert’s memory, please consider a donation to Notre Dame Academy High School (c/o Alumni Association), 134 Howard Ave., Staten Island, N.Y. 10301.
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Notre Dame Academy High School (c/o Alumni Association)134 Howard Ave, Staten Island, New York 10301
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