It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Gertrude Louise Kernaghan (nee Bunk Brotherton), at St. Joseph’s Hospice, on July 22, 2016.
She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert Kernaghan, her parents, Louis and Mary Brotherton, and three sisters & two brothers.
She is survived by her sister, Sister Anne Brotherton (a sister of St Joseph), and her brother John Brotherton (Lynn). Her children Greer Mallon (Jack), Gary Kernaghan, Donna Allam (Dennis), and Lorraine Cano (Jim) as well as her grandchildren Kelly Mallon(Dianne), Jason Mallon (Cathy), Becky Forester (Mike), Katie McGowan (Kris), Cary Keast, Caralyn Kernaghan (Lee), Greg Allam (Ali), Patrick Allam, Aaron Allam(Lauren), Ben Allam (Anita), Brad Allam, Janie Stickel (Peter), Stephanie Koo (Jon), James Allam (Lauren), and Adam Cano, as well as 21 great grandchildren: Ryan, Brendan, Meggie, Annie, Peter, Nathan, Jude, Kailie, Sydney, Kristie, Sarah, Chloe, Greta, Isaiah, Sam, Manny, Aaron, Anna, Jordan, Mack & Paige.
‘Granny Gertie’ was born in Windsor, Ontario on May 19, 1917 and moved with her parents to Fort William in 1919. She lived with her family in the Murphy Block until she met Herbert and was married on February 17, 1940.
She moved with her husband and two children to Norah Street, in 1946, where they had two more children and she lived there to the ripe old age of 99 years old.
Her life as a homemaker was spent cooking, baking, knitting and sewing for her family with much love. She enjoyed making crazy costumes for carnivals and Halloween and making beautiful wedding dresses for her girls.
She always made the new baby sweaters, booties, and hats, as well as many crafts and blankets for her loved ones. She was a member of the CWL at St Patrick’s Cathedral, and was a faithful member of the Choir for over 35 years, where she was referred to as “Gertie Baby”. She was also an avid Bingo player and loved a good game of Zilch and Rumoli.
Many thanks to the nurses and doctors that took loving care of Gertie during her stay on 2B at the Regional, you know who you are. And the nurses at the Hospice, as well; although her stay there was short.
In accordance with Gertie’s wishes, Cremation has taken place and a memorial mass will be celebrated by Msgr Pat. Stilla on July 27th, at 11:00am at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A vigil service will be held on Tuesday, July 26th at 7:00 pm at Blake’s Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Research.
Gertrude Kernaghan will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 11, 2017.
