Gertraud Maria Theresia Givens' Obituary
Gertraud (Gertie) Givens was born Gertraud Maria Teresa Altenried in Munich Germany. Growing up in Germany, her childhood was wonderful before the war and very difficult once the war began. She was an avid reader as a child and dreamed of moving to the United States and starting a new life. She eventually got her wish once she met and married Roy E. Givens of the US Air Force.
Being married to a man in the military required Gertie to move many times. There was the 3 years in France, then 5 years in Lakewood, WA, then 2 years in Topeka, KA, then off to Fayetteville, NC for 2 years and finally the return to Lakewood in 1975 where she would remain until 2001 when she moved into a home in Steilacoom, WA and remain for the rest of her life.
Gertie gave birth to five children all born in Europe, 4 in Germany (Pat-1955, Mike-1958, Debbie-1959 and Scott-1960) with one in France (Marty-1963). Her love and devotion to her children was always clear, she loved being a mom and grandmother and great grandmother. Spending time with her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren was always a highlight of her day.
Gertie was able to be a stay at home mom until her divorce in 1976 when she decided it was time to start a career. With help from longtime friend Edna she was able to start a career in the moving industry. She started off as a packer (one of the first female packers in the northwest) and then moved into the office manager position until she retired in 1999. She was also a seamstress and did this on the side for most of her working life.
In being a good German, Gertie always had a project. Whether it was knitting, gardening, painting her house inside and out, building puzzles, or working on her golf swing, she was always busy. An accomplished bowler for many years, she enjoyed the company of friends and was always good for a laugh.
Traveling with Gertie was always an adventure, she loved being at her destination but the actual traveling would cause her stress level to go beyond the boiling point. She would travel to Germany many times to visit daughter Pat and other family members. Gerty loved to remember her trips to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy with her children. She would also be taken on trips to Chicago, New York, Orlando, Alaska, Arizona and many trips to California.
Holidays were always a favorite time in Gertie’s house because she loved to decorate and wanted to share her love with family and friends. During Christmas you would
always find a very nice tree and well over 40 Santa Clauses throughout the house. The smell of Christmas cookies in the air always made your mouth water and the warm cozy feel of her home made you feel welcome. The traditional German dinner on Christmas Eve will be carried on, and the thoughts of her will always be special.
On September 4, 2014 Gertie lost her battle with cancer, she was a fighter and strong to the end. Having cancer throughout her body, she was returned to her home in Steilacoom where she wanted to be for her final days. Having friends and family by her side was her final wish. With all her children at her side she was able to let go and make her final journey in peace.
Our family will receive friends at the Celebration of Life Center Aspen Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home on September 8, 2014 from 4 pm to 5 pm with a reception to follow next door to the Chapel from 5pm to 6pm.
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