Gertrude Guenther: Globe Trotter, loving mother

Loving family matriarch and avid world traveler Gertrude Guenther died on Dec. 25, 2008 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She was 90 and had gifted her children with adventures of a lifetime with trips all over the world.

"She raised three children whom she took all over the place," said her daughter, Trudy Sutherland of Concord, New Hampshire. "We went to Mexico, Egypt and even Prague. The last time she came to visit (us in New Hampshire) we went on a whale watch, went to see a buffalo herd and then went to Maine to see the Bush estate. She was so full of energy and loved life."

She was born Gertrude Hinson in Brooklyn in Feb. 1918 and devoted her life to caring for her family. According to her family, she had lived in many different places: Franklin Street in Amityville, Wil- low Street in Massapequa, Connecticut, Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania.

When she wasn't traveling to Czechoslovakia or Greece, Mrs. Guenther was gifting her handmade crafts and paintings to everyone she loved.

Along with her husband George, she was very involved with the Masonic Order and was named Worthy Matron of Amityville's Order of the Eastern Star in 1970. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In addition to her daughter Trudy Sutherland, Mrs. Guenther also leaves behind her children, Margaret Duraski of Thomasville, Pennsylvania and Steven of New Albany, Ohio. Seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive her. She was predeceased by her husband, George and her brother, Stephen.

Funeral and Memorial and Episcopal Services were held in both Columbia, Pennsylvania and Tarpon Springs, Florida. Interment followed at Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Donations in Mrs. Guenther's name can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601-7633.