Gertrude O'Shea

Gertrude O’Shea, also known as: Gigi, Nana, and Gert, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 25, 2021.  In this new home, she was reunited with her loving husband, John, her parents, John and Mary Evans, and brothers: Joseph, Edward, Paul, and Jack.  Gert’s journey began in South Boston in 1926.  She attended Gate of Heaven Elementary School and South Boston High School.

During World War II, she went to Fort Devens to work for the New England Telephone Company as a long-distance telephone operator and worked there for about 15 years.   After the war, she met John O’Shea at the Revere Beach Ballroom.  They lived in Lynn, MA and were happily married for 48 wonderful years.

She started a new chapter in her life at age 87 and made the move to Grand Rapids, MI to be closer to family.  She resided at Beacon Hill at Eastgate where she formed great friendships, greatly enjoyed her daily exercise classes, looked forward to her pizza parties, was a Wii Bowling & bingo champ, made many fun crafts and between family and friends, grew closer to God.  Gert greatly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  Gert will greatly be missed by her children: Elaine Whoch and her husband Dan of Schaumburg, IL and Indian Land, SC, Bill O’Shea and his wife Fran of Jackson, NH, Claire Donahue and her husband Timmy of Wheaton, IL and Caledonia, MI and Dave O'Shea and his wife Francine of Dracut, MA.

The family will greet visitors on Thursday, March 4 from 12:30-1:30PM at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68 ^th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2:30PM at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 215 Sheldon Boulevard SE, Grand Rapids, MI.  Gert will be put to rest during a private burial service in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, MA, joining her loving husband.

The family thanks the staff of Beacon Hill at Eastgate in Grand Rapids for their kindness and compassionate care.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gertrude's name to Faith Hospice of Grand Rapids or the Hand2Hand Ministry at Cornerstone Church in Caledonia, MI.