Individual Details

Death

Gertrude was born and raised in Gibson City, Illinois. Her mother died when she was 2 years old. When she was 8 yrs her father married her mother's sister Cora Simons and when she was 13 yrs old she became a big sister when Helen was born to her Aunt/Stepmother. Tragedy struck again two years later when her father died. After graduating from High School she went to "Normal School" and received a teaching certificate. She taught school in Illinois. In 1911 she came to Denver with a cousin to visit their cousin Harry Schoonmaker. The Schoonmakers lived next door to Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Shimpfky and their son Harry. She married Harry in 1913. To this union 4 children were born. Gertrude did not work outside the home again. She was a fine seamstress and enjoyed making clothes for her three daughters. She became interested in her mother's father's line of ancestors so that she could join the Daughters of the American Revolution. Most of the information about the Simons family is her work. I remember Grandma as small,timid and quiet. She did have a keen wit and a sense of humor! Grandma was a small woman. About 5' 1 and 100 pounds. She never said to much while Harry was alive but his death seemed to liberate her. She loved her son Lester very much! Before she died she talked openly and freely to a family historian about her life.