GLOUCESTER: Gertrude (Fosberry) Benjamin, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at home. She was the wife of Robert W. Benjamin, with whom she shared sixty-one years of marriage.
Gertrude was born on September 15, 1926 to the late Charles F. and Margaret (Campbell) Fosberry. She grew up in a large and loving family on Colonial Street and attended the Maplewood School. At Gloucester High School, Gertrude made lifetime friendships with her “club” girls. They continue to meet regularly to this day.
Gertrude and Robert met in 1946 at the dance pavilion on Little Neck in Ipswich. He won her heart and they were married in November of 1950. With his encouragement, Gert became an avid skier and they enjoyed many years on the slopes. They were members of the Cape Ann Ski Gulls. Gert and Bob were at home on the dance floor; attending dances regularly throughout their lifetime together. Gert could always have fun, wherever she was.
Gertrude began her career as a legal secretary. After marriage, she worked part time at home for many years while raising her family of four children. She ran her home and family as efficiently as her former office. Gert resumed her career in the legal department of the local NOAA fisheries office, retiring in 1994. In her retirement, she was active in the lives of her children and her nine grandchildren. She supported their many interests and activities. She also enjoyed days at “her” Good Harbor Beach.
Gertrude is survived by her husband Robert and their four children: David Benjamin and his wife Sally of Gloucester, Donna Foley and her husband Michael of Gardner, Joan Houghton and her husband Chuck of Manchester-by-the-Sea and Nancy Benjamin of Gloucester. Gertrude is survived by grandchildren Gregory and Katy Foley; Alyssa (Benjamin) Teixeira and her husband Aaron, Jonathan Benjamin and fiancé Megin Sherry and Jesse Benjamin; Hayley, William, Thomas and Christine Houghton. Additionally she is survived by two great-grandchildren; Kenney Houghton and Franklin “Frankie” Benjamin. She is also survived by two sisters: Doris Murphy and Mildred Sanborn, as well as her sister-in-law Claire Fosberry, all of Gloucester. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and close friends. She was also predeceased by her siblings: Charles, Margaret, Robert and William Fosberry and Mary Azevedo.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 17th in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle St., Gloucester at 11 am. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, July 16th from 4-7 pm. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Donations may be made in her memory to the Oncology Dept. of the Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, or The Cape Ann Symphony, PO Box 1343, Gloucester, MA 01930.