Gertrude Sowers

Gertrude ‘Gert’ Sowers, 100, of St. Joseph, died on July 31, at Crown Pointe Retirement Home after a short illness. Arrangements have been entrusted with Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Gert, the only child of Mack and Elizabeth (Weir) Sowers, was born on June 25, 1913 in Gaylord, MI. She attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Gaylord Public School in 1931. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and did work toward her Masters at Michigan State University. She had 10 years teaching experience before coming to St. Joseph in September 1945. She taught third and fourth grade at Jefferson School for 33 years. Gert retired from teaching in 1978. She was a member of Michigan Education Association, Berrien County Association of Retired School Personnel, Krasl Art Center and the Heritage Musuem and Cultural Center. She was a very active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and worked with the “Church Ladies” two days a week. Gert was affectionately known as the “candle lady.” She was so pleased that she was able to celebrate her 100th birthday at Crown Pointe with her many friends in June of this year. Gert is survived by a few cousins and many dear friends whom she called family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, 10:30 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph. Visitation is on Friday, Aug. 2, from 4:00-7:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Burial will take place next week at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Gaylord, MI. Memorial’s in her memory may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph or to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Gaylord, MI or to the donor’s choice. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com