Family Log-In

Click Here

Gertrude Irene Winkler, the Peaceful Warrior
May 25, 1931 - October 7, 2019
88 years of love and compassion

Gertrude’s strength was witnessed through her Christian ways, positive mindset, and love for all.
Gertrude’s parents traveled to New York City from a small farming village in Austria between the
World Wars to work and bring money back home. It was during that time Gertrude was
conceived and became an American Girl. At two years, she traveled back to Austria with her
parents. When she was in 5th grade the Nazis occupied her town school building and her years
of schooling was over. Later the Russains occupied the area and used her school as a base.
When the Russians stole clocks and other valuables from the village homes, Gertrude thought
this was not right. One day she marched solo into the base and took home her family's cuckoo
clock. She put her arms out and pulled them in, in an attempt to use sign language to say this is
mine. Gertrude was not afraid to stand up for what was correct and righteous and this was
exemplified throughout her life as she stood up for the sick, homeless and weak by offering her
concern and love.

Even with her schooling cut short, only up to 5th grade level, Gertrude wrote and spoke
beautifully in two languages. Later, after the horrors of WWII were over, she met her husband
Josef and together they traveled on the Queen Mary into NYC harbor, to start a new life and
that was the beginning of the American dream. She worked hard in the garment industry
sewing luggage bags as they settled in an apartment near St. Mary’s Park in the Bronx.
Later, they purchased a 3 family home in Throggs Neck and raised 2 children, Josef and Eileen.
Here they entertained friends and family for 54 years. Something was always cooking on the
stove or baking in the oven every day. Trudy was always ready to feed anyone that entered her
home. She joined the St. Benedicts church choir in her later years and was a member for over
30 years. Offering her voice and time to enhance the choir and become closer to God while
making new friends was a favorite pastime for her. From here she made even more friends and
hosted Friday night, “stitch and bitch nights” at her home. Stitch was sewing and the later word
was a name someone else came up with. Gertrude did not like saying foul language words. But
this group of friends only grew over time as Gertrude was always open to including more people
so everyone felt included. She was very concerned about everyone's feelings and felt like her
home was a safe haven for all.

In her last 6 years she lived in Florham Park, NJ and became part of Corpus Christi Church.
Here, Gertrude and Josef did many things together with the Chatham senior club and church
events. Each year they looked forward to the senior dinner dance hosted by the parish teens.
Gertrude looked forward to all the events hosted by the church and made many, many new
friends almost instantaneously. At the parish they celebrated their 65th anniversary, 3 years
ago and was honored as the longest married couple. Gertrude would say the secret to a long
marriage is to be flexible like a rubber band and never go to bed mad.

As a wife, mother & grandmother she carried the happiness and sadness of the family and
always helped us move forward with love and grace. She was a peacemaker, and a soul mate
always ready to listen and aid without asking for anything in return. She answered the
telephone always with a cheerful voice, in anticipation of talking with a friend or family member.
Saint-like Gertrude, had a brilliant mind, an outgoing disposition, and a friendly - accepting
demeanor. Gertrude was ready to make a new friend every day, regardless of race, color or
religion. She was a friend to all and an enemy to none.

Gertrude you are free now, no more pain from the stroke or arthritis. Your positive energy is
free in the universe. Your sweet voice, soft skin and smiling face are no longer with us. But the
impressions you left upon us will always remain with us forever more.
We LOVE YOU, dear sweet woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all!

Loving Wife
Josef Winkler

Loving Mother
Josef F. Winkler & wife Catherine
Eileen S. Raskin & husband Edward

Loving Oma
Josef P. Winkler & wife Karyn
John P. Winkler & wife Alice
Paul A. Raskin
Renee M. Gentile & husband Timothy
James P. Winkler & girlfriend Emma
Julia S. Raskin
Craig J. Raskin

Loving Great-Oma
Morgan S. Winkler
Jack J. Winkler

Loving Sister
Helen Gmoser
Ilse Tamandl
Herber Jaindl

Mom, Oma, Trudy was a kind, gentle, loving person whom was open to all.
A friend to all and an enemy to none.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gertrude Irene Winkler, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.