Obituary for Gertrude Elizabeth Smith (Walker )
Gertrude Elizabeth Smith, 87, of Boston, Massachusetts, transitioned peacefully on February 20, 2023, with her family by her side.
She was born to the late Prince Albert Walker and Pearline (Saunders) Walker on October 31, 1935, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Gertrude attended Chelsea High School, worked for many years as a security guard, and took on interior design projects as a hobby. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed spending time with friends and family and listening to music, especially Isaac Hayes' "Black Moses" album and anything from Otis Redding. Gertrude was the matriarch of a large family. Her most distinguished accomplishment was raising twelve children and living to see her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren grow.
Gertrude is predeceased by three siblings, Barbara (Saunders) Jones, Prince Albert Walker, and James Walker, and six children: Timothy Robert Walker, Levi Walker, Duane Anthony Smith, Dana Elaine Smith, and Jean Marie (Tammy) Smith. She is survived by her brother, Frederick Walker, and seven children: Deborah Walker, Nadine Walker-Mooney, Sandra DeAllie, LeAnn Smith, Toni Smith-King, Jeffrey Smith, and Marc Smith. She is also survived by more than 60 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends who cherish her memory.
Close friends and family will remember Gertrude as a kind, generous, funny, intelligent, and quick-witted lady with a feisty personality. She loved that her birthday was on Halloween and often dressed the part, even if celebrating at a restaurant. She particularly enjoyed adorning herself in beautiful jewelry and clothing accentuated by her favorite Avon perfume, making no apologies for wanting to be a head-turner, even in her later years. Gertrude was a devoted mother whose love of family and faith in God sustained her through the joys and sorrows of life. She often reminded us that "time marches on" and encouraged the ever-expanding family to get to know each other and remain in touch. In so doing, we will strengthen our bond and honor her legacy.
The homegoing ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Twelfth Baptist Church, followed by a repast at 2:00 p.m. The interment will take place at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael Cemetery.
Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
She was born to the late Prince Albert Walker and Pearline (Saunders) Walker on October 31, 1935, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Gertrude attended Chelsea High School, worked for many years as a security guard, and took on interior design projects as a hobby. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed spending time with friends and family and listening to music, especially Isaac Hayes' "Black Moses" album and anything from Otis Redding. Gertrude was the matriarch of a large family. Her most distinguished accomplishment was raising twelve children and living to see her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren grow.
Gertrude is predeceased by three siblings, Barbara (Saunders) Jones, Prince Albert Walker, and James Walker, and six children: Timothy Robert Walker, Levi Walker, Duane Anthony Smith, Dana Elaine Smith, and Jean Marie (Tammy) Smith. She is survived by her brother, Frederick Walker, and seven children: Deborah Walker, Nadine Walker-Mooney, Sandra DeAllie, LeAnn Smith, Toni Smith-King, Jeffrey Smith, and Marc Smith. She is also survived by more than 60 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends who cherish her memory.
Close friends and family will remember Gertrude as a kind, generous, funny, intelligent, and quick-witted lady with a feisty personality. She loved that her birthday was on Halloween and often dressed the part, even if celebrating at a restaurant. She particularly enjoyed adorning herself in beautiful jewelry and clothing accentuated by her favorite Avon perfume, making no apologies for wanting to be a head-turner, even in her later years. Gertrude was a devoted mother whose love of family and faith in God sustained her through the joys and sorrows of life. She often reminded us that "time marches on" and encouraged the ever-expanding family to get to know each other and remain in touch. In so doing, we will strengthen our bond and honor her legacy.
The homegoing ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Twelfth Baptist Church, followed by a repast at 2:00 p.m. The interment will take place at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael Cemetery.
Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.