SALEM - Gertrude E. (Hill) Cobb, 86, of Salem, wife of Harry E. Cobb, died Thursday, February 17, 2011 at the Pilgrim Nursing Center in Peabody surrounded by her family.
Born in Swampscott, she was the daughter of the late Frederick S. and Mary E. (Clarke) Hill.
Mrs. Cobb was employed by the New England Telephone Company in Marblehead as an operator, before the use of dial phones. She later worked for the Salem School Department as an office aide at the Pickering, Horace Mann and Bates Schools.
A resident of Salem for most of her life, she was an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Church Women’s Group and the Girl Scouts, as a troop leader. She enjoyed knitting and made baby sweaters for every grandchild. Her family was her life and she was happiest when they were gathered together, no matter what the occasion.
Besides her husband, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage, she is survived by six children and their spouses, Judith A. Collins of Peabody, Linda C. and her husband Joseph Cooney, Sr. of Norway, ME, Susan P and her husband Robert Luz of Freedom, NH, Russell H. and his wife Mary Cobb of Danvers, Stephen D. Cobb of Salem, Cindy J. and her husband Stanley Sostak of Hampton, NH, 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 1 brother, Robert Hill of Ipswich, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy M. Kocur, a sister, Edna Lindeman and a great-grandchild, Jeremy Fraser.
Her funeral service will be held Monday, February 21, 2011 at 10:30 am at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Salem. Visiting hours are Sunday, February 20, 2011 from 2 to 6 pm at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the St. Peter’s Church Memorial Fund, 24 St. Peter Street, Salem, MA 01970. For on-line guestbook, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.