We will dearly miss Gert who passed away November 13, 2020. Predeceased by husband, Hughie; sisters Margaret (Wilfie) and Muriel (Ken); close friends Audrey and Ed. Lovingly remembered by children Rick and Joan; grandchildren Tara (Reza), Scott (Liz), Wendy (Mat) and Adam; great-grandchildren Laila, Audrey, Grace and Jake; nieces, nephews and extended Harwood family.
Gert was born on November 8, 1929 in Cumberland and grew up in Union Bay. She attended Camosun College and was a teacher for two years. Gert and Hughie were married on June 21, 1952 and had over 60 happy years together. They moved to Victoria in 1962 and regularly travelled back to Union Bay, remaining close with family and friends their whole lives. Both were amazing dancers and incredible bridge players. Gert was very involved at Belmont Avenue United Church and enjoyed singing in the choir with her good friend Isabel Holmes.
A warm, nurturing mother and grandmother with a strong positive spirit and kind heart, she was so proud of her family and glad they all lived in Victoria. She created a loving home and regularly hosted dinners and shared her tasty baking. Mom always said she had lived a long and happy life. She greatly missed Hughie and was ready to join him and her sisters in heaven.
A private family service, by invitation only, will be hosted in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 2:00 pm, with the Reverend Bill Cantelon officiating. Due to current BC Health restrictions, all others are invited to attend virtually via Zoom by clicking on the following link. Please use your video camera when joining so that family in attendance can see you and feel your support.
Celebration of Life for Gertrude M. Robertson
Time: Dec 3, 2020 01:55 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94724091914?pwd=MlRvcTlMU051RGRPbm8xZkNwN0J6UT09
Meeting ID: 947 2409 1914
Passcode: 934747
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CNIB or Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Larry Fulton
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Brenda Stevens Dear Joan ,Rick and family
We’re so sorry to hear about your Mom, I’m sure she is with Hughie and at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Brenda and Gerry Stevens and family
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Jennifer Keenan Stuart, Jennifer, Nigel and Siobhan Keenan
Joanie, Rick and families,
Our condolences on the loss of your Mom. We know how much she missed Hughie, and was ready to go, but we also know how much you all will miss her. She was a wonderful lady. Our thoughts are with you all today.
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Karen Cofield Very sorry to hear of Mrs. Robertson’s passing. I know that she is feeling relief and was looking forward to being with Hughie In the past she was an organized, strong and tremendous leader in many church activities. Gert was very social and warm. She always welcomed you with a comforting big smile. Condolences and sympathy to Rick, Joan and the family.
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Jillian Harwood Hello family,
I wish I could be there in person to give hugs and support any way I could. I will always cherish the memories with Auntie Gert. I’m sure this brings up a flood of different feelings; I am sending all my love your way. <3 <3 <3
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Carol Larsen Dear Joan, Rick and family, I had the pleasure of knowing your mother, if only for a short while. I visited with her and we went for walks together. She told me stories about her large family around Union Bay and in Victoria. As we walked, she told me about Joan and Rick in their growing up years, and about the neighbourhood that she lived in for so many years. It warmed my heart and made me laugh. What a charming, gracious , intelligent and loving woman! I am so grateful for having had the privilege of her company. Carol
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Dreana Bell So sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. Gert started as a client of mine but quickly became a very good friend that lasted for many years until her recent passing. She will be at peace with Hughie.
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Lois Harwood To Rick, Joan and families, sending our love and heartfelt sympathies for your loss; Auntie Gert was always very friendly and kind when our paths did cross, and she made such a wonderful contribution to the family gatherings – I could tell this from the reunion photos and from the annual Christmas photos in recent years. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today, Lois Harwood and family
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Shirley McKeand Rick, Joan, families and friends,
My heart to yours for the loss of your Mother/grandmother/great grandmother/friend. Although I’ve only met your Mother once in her late years, I’ve come to see so much of her through Rick’s eyes and life. Although her dance is in the greatness of heaven, she makes herself visible through each of you, and in all the echos of her actions which continue to resonate forever in this world. May God be with you each.
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Gail and Brian Baxter Dear Rick, Joan, and family.
I met Gert when she was 72. I’m now 70 and thinking about how healthy, strong and capable your mom was. These are true blessings in life. Each time we visited as next door neighbours, or by phone, her conversation always included thankfulness and appreciation for the support and loving care that Rick and Joan gave to her. She could do most of life on her own but the love-light inside was kept burning by hugging Rick and Joan.Thanks both. Rest in peace Gert.
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Elizabeth Harwood My heart both broke and jumped for joy when I got the news of Gert’s passing. It broke because of how much I will miss her; how disappointed that we didn’t get one more “tea party”…yet happy for her that she could be with Hughie once again, as she had wished for so long. Gert was one of the sweetest, kindest, warmest souls one could know. Her passing was the closing chapter of her generation, as if God saved the best for last. I can hear the Harwoods now, partying in the beyond like the good ol’ days now they are all together again! Victoria won’t be the same next time we are there – we shall surely feel her absence. My heart and thoughts and love go with you, Rick and Joan, wrapped in many Covid-free cyberhugs.
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Lee Temple So sorry for your loss Joan,condolences to you and your family
Lee Temple(Stringer)
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Dave Steffy and Gail Golin Dear Rick and Joan and Family, we are sad that your mother has passed, we will miss her, but we will always remember her warm smile and sense of humour. Her family was very important for her. We particularly enjoyed spending time with her at Scott and Liz’s wedding celebration. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
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Barbara Harwood Dear Joan and Rick,
I will always remember your Mother. I met her at one of the Boxing Day gatherings which in those days was held at Cousin Jeans house on Carnarvon Street. It was my introduction to our generation of Harwoods. Your Mother welcomed me with her genuine warmth, she gave me some very sound advice, and she gave me one of those very special hugs. When we were together I never failed to thank her for that welcome. As I approached her at family gatherings she would say “I know what you are going to say to me.” And we would laugh as we hugged. Gert was a very special lady and she was loved by all who knew her. She will be missed.
You are in my prayers and my thoughts.
In her memory I would prefer to donate to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation. Gert would forgive me… She would know why. Barbara
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Cheryl Hurlburt Dear Rick and Joan and families, my heart goes out to you all with Gert’s passing. Even though I know she really wanted to go the permanence of her leaving I’m sure creates a great loss in your lives. I was so happy to have known her and spent time with her. I will always remember her determined spirit and kindness. Much love to you all as you grieve her passing. XXOO SO much of her remains in all of you. Blessings
Rick, Joan, and family
My condolences on the passing of Gert. I know you all had a wonderful relationship with her. My thoughts are with you