Gertrude H. Roatche
Gertrude H. Roatche (née Hoagland), 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 17 at her home in Fort Washington, surrounded by her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Born on June 27, 1928 in Germantown, Philadelphia, she was the only child of the late John P. Hoagland of Philadelphia and Gertrude (née Forbes) of Leicestershire, England and Philadelphia. She grew up in Erdenheim and was a 1946 graduate of Springfield Township High School, where she was a member of both the school’s band and orchestra. She spent her working life in bank management, beginning as a teller at Girard Bank and retiring in 1990 as District Manager of the Philadelphia Region for Mellon Bank. She moved to Fort Washington in 1968 and resided in Elliger Park until her passing.
Gertrude was a very active member of St Thomas Church, Whitemarsh, her spiritual home, where she married her late husband George in 1952. During her decades of membership, she served on the finance committee, spent many years volunteering at the Second Saturday Sales at the Barn, taught Sunday School classes, participated in numerous classes, and once served as a parish representative at the Diocesan Convention. She was a supporter of the Society of St Margaret and member of the Episcopal Church Club of Philadelphia.
She dedicated her life to providing a loving, nurturing home to her family and friends and was known for her warm hospitality. Gertrude loved to cook and bake, and took pride in her kitchen skills and never hesitated to supply friends and family with home-cooked recipes. She was a talented pianist, having played piano since she was a child, and had a deep love for classical music.
She loved to travel and some of her voyages included Greece, Germany, Scotland, Venezuela, Panama, Turkey, Alaska and Hawaii; her favorite destination by far was England, to where she made many trips during her life. Gertrude loved celebrating her English heritage, and as a lover of all things British, she was a dedicated fan of the Queen and Royal Family. She was a member of the local chapter of Daughters of the British Empire for many years.
Gertrude is survived by her son David and grandson Edward, and many cherished cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband George and grandson Andrew. A funeral service will be held at St Thomas’ Church, Whitemarsh in Fort Washington on Tuesday, November 28 at 11am. Interment will immediately follow, also at St Thomas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Thomas’ Church in her memory.
Gertrude was an integral part of my life growing up. She was there for every birthday, and holiday – and she always showed up with food a smile, and most notably, love. When I reflect on Gertrude, I feel so fortunate to have had her there for me. In her presence one could not help but feel seen and valued. She embodied the words, “kindness costs nothing.” It costs nothing, but the reverberations of her kindness and goodwill travels far beyond her, informing not only my memory, but the memories of all whom she touched in life influencing our futures to remember to be kinder wherever you can – you never know what a profound effect it can have. It had that effect for me. Safe travels Gertrude. All my love to my cousins – David and Edward.
Being a family friend, I have many fond memories of Gertrude at gatherings and holidays growing up. I’ll always remember her as a welcoming and warm, positive presence that was part of happy childhood memories sitting around the dining room table or by the pool at my best friend’s house. She will be missed. Sending love and condolences to her whole family.