Obituary of Gertrude Giordano

Gertrude M. Giordano "Gigi," 95, of Sun City Center, Fla., entered into eternal life April 13, 2011. She was born October 30, 1915, in West New York, N.J. She was the daughter of Albert Miller and Anna (Dihlman) Miller and lived in New Jersey until moving to Florida in 1976. Gertrude worked as an executive secretary of the Fifth Avenue Association at the then newly-opened Empire State Building in New York City, and as secretary for St. Joseph's Church in Washington, N.J. She also worked as executive secretary for the Sun City Center Security Patrol. Among her great loves were the Catholic faith and the religious education of children. She was a devoted catechist and religious education director for over 50 years at St. Joseph's and Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center, where she provided religious education for children of the migrant community. She was involved in numerous church ministries and was a member of the secular Third Order of St. Francis. Gertrude was also a valued volunteer for hospice, Freedom Plaza, Homewood and Clare Bridge. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, and nine brothers and sisters. Surviving her are four sons, Father John of Mount Pleasant, S.C., Thomas and his wife, Elaine, of Belmar, N.J., Robert and his wife, Patricia, of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Charles of Houston, Texas; and six grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9 a.m. Friday, April 15, 2011, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Sun City Center, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Prince of Peace Catholic Church, LifePath Hospice or the charity of your choice. A Graveside Service for Gertrude M. Giordano will be held on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Washington, NJ. The DeVoe Funeral Service 136 West Washington Ave, Washington NJ 07882 has been entrusted with her arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.devoefuneral.com.