Gertrude G. “Gert” Matte passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. Born in Fall River, MA to Joseph A. and Alma (Boule) Gagnon on December 27, 1922. Gert was predeceased in 1999 by her husband of 47 years, W. Andre Matte. She was a sister to the late Gerard Gagnon of New Bedford and the late Leonel Gagnon of Portsmouth, RI.
A resident of Somerset for over 60 years, she worked in the medical offices of Drs. Americo Almedia, Eli Tawa and Jorge Andrade.
Gert was educated at Mt. St. Joseph in Fall River, and studied with Catholic University of Washington, DC. An accomplished accordionist, she studied music with Imbriglio’s Accordion School of Music, studying the organ also. She played the organ at St. Patrick’s Church in Somerset for over 5 years, other local churches, and for the Veteran’s Home in Bristol, RI for 9 years. She had also played the accordion with the “Melodier’s” Orchestra.
Gert was a Lady of St. Anne’s at St. Anne’s Church and a member of St. Anne’s Sodality. At 95, Gert was a remarkable woman. She lived by herself, took care of her home, was a wonderful conversationalist and had a razor sharp mind. An avid reader, it was not unusual for her to read three books a week and complete as many crossword puzzles and word search books a week. For those who were fortunate to know her, she was an inspiration for anyone fearing to face old age!
Gert is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was godmother to Mrs. Diane (Theroux) Berube of Tiverton, Pauline (Gagnon) Koliscz of Portsmouth, Matthew Frechette of Alabama and Paul Charpentier of Canada.
Her funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 10:00AM in St. Anne’s Shrine, 818 Middle Street, Fall River. Arrangements are in the care of WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at ROSE E. SULLIVAN, 866 County Street, Somerset. Entombment Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions in Gert’s name may be made to: Columban Missionaries, P.O. Box 65, Bristol, RI 02809. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com
