Gertrude Elizabeth Townsend was born on July 30th, 1931, and passed away on January 25th, 2024.

She was the daughter of the late Harold and Mary Terrell.  Preceded in death by her husband Luther, her sons Richard and Russell, and her brothers Joseph and Harold Terrell.

She graduated from Roxbury Memorial in 1949, where she was an excellent student and participated in many school events, including being part of the cheerleading squad.

After working for some years, she came to her calling as an educator.  She taught at the Montessori Family Center from 1964 to 1987.  She then moved on to the ABCD Geneva Avenue Head Start where she worked until she retired in 1996, at which time the school was renamed the Gertrude E. Townsend Learning Center and that name remains to this day.  In addition to this honor, she received many awards for her outstanding work in the community.  She was a faithful member of the "Goldenaires of the Freedom House" where she served as the Hospitality Hostess.

She was well known and respected in her neighborhood where she was fondly referred to as the "warden."  Over the years, she was called by many names: Ma, Nana, G-Money, Godmother, G-Ma, Mrs. T, and Auntie Gertie.  Although the names were different, the sentiment was the same, she was loved by all whom she called family.

She was a longstanding member of St. Patrick's Church and a consistent participant at weekly mass and other events.

She leaves behind her daughter Linda A. Milligan, grandson Derek B. Townsend (Marejka), great grandchildren Devin and Kendall Townsend, daughter-in-law Laura "Kim" Townsend, godchildren Arnitra, Belinda, Linda Marie and Kristina.  She also leaves behind the Bates, Blackburn, Garvin, Harper, Miles, Miligan, Swain, Taylor, Thomas and Ward families.