Gertrude’s known childhood really began at the early age of about 1 year old when she was admitted to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. She grew to adulthood there when at age 18, she left to enter the Edward W. Sparrow Hospital School of Nursing in Lansing, Michigan. While at the VFW Home, Gertrude found a mother in Avis who later became “nannie” to her own children.

Gertrude and the love of her life, Paul Gulyas, wed in June 1954. Gertrude earned her baccalaureate degree and elementary school teaching credentials at the University of Michigan, Dearborn Campus and in 1973, she and Paul moved to Juneau, Alaska, where she taught for the next 20 years. Her great love of children and in teaching those of the early elementary age group was easily known by all who knew her, and witnessed by the several children who in their later years stayed in touch with her.

Gertrude is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Paul; daughters, Ruth Ann Gulyas of Lake Oswego and Cynthia Lynn Gulyas of Tacoma; and grandsons, Paul, Aaron and Jackson.

Her immense love remains in our hearts, and in those of so many she touched, forever.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2015, in the Chapel at Mary’s Woods. Donations in her memory may be made to the VFW National Home for Children or a charity of choice.