Obituary of Gertrude Lillian Whitehead

The death of Gertrude Lillian Whitehead of Saint John, NB, formerly of East Riverside (Rothesay), NB, resident of the Chateau de Champlain, widow of Dr. Frederick Lawson Whitehead, occurred on Monday, March 3, 2014 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Gertrude was born in Sackville, NB, to Winfred Wilson and Maude (Purdy) Hatfield. She graduated from the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing in Halifax. While completing her studies, she met a dashing young doctor named Fred Whitehead, whom she married with joy in 1938. During World War II, while stationed in Cairo with Fred, Gertrude was recruited as the first civilian lady to work in the Cypher Department, coding and decoding secret messages for over three years. After the war, Gertrude and Fred returned to Canada and eventually settled in East Riverside, NB, where they raised two daughters and were active in their community. Gertrude was an avid golfer and curler, a former ladies' president of the Riverside Golf and Country Club, a sharp bridge player and a member of St. David's United Church. She also loved to garden and bake, and her wonderful hospitality will always be remembered. Gertrude's optimistic attitude, unflagging energy and gentle kindness will be greatly missed by her two daughters: Marion (Jim) Groundwater of Calgary, AB and Heather Whitehead of Denver, CO; her brother, Harold Hatfield of Parrsboro, NS; her two granddaughters: Jennifer (Scott) Manktelow of Canmore, AB and Susan Groundwater (Neal McCarthy) of Ottawa, ON; her two great-grandsons: Finn and Kip; several nieces and nephews, particularly her niece Janet Whitehead of Saint John and special friend Elizabeth Reid of Rothesay. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the GEM Unit of St. Joseph's Hospital for their compassionate care. Although there will be no visitation, relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service, which will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 2:30 PM followed by a reception, from Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery, at a later date. No flowers by request. Remembrances may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.