Gertrude H. (Theophile) Schirmer passed away peacefully on April 6, 2009 at Oak Knoll Health Center in Framingham at the age of 75 after a battle with multiple myeloma. Gertrude was born September 23, 1933 in Ridgefield, NJ, the daughter of the late Kurt Theophile and Gertrude (Mueller) Theophile. She grew up in Waban and graduated from Newton High School Class of 1951. She attended the PAL program at Boston University. She worked at Cambridgeport Savings Bank before marrying and moving to California where she started her family. After a short time in California she moved back to Massachusetts to Framingham where she has been a resident for the last fifty years. She worked for many years at Raytheon in Wayland until her retirement. She is a member of Plymouth Church. She will be remembered most for her tireless and loving efforts to connect with everyone she met no matter where she traveled. Without prejudice she welcomed all who entered her life and treated them as if they were already a good friend. Never short on conversation, she made everyone feel welcome. Treats and good wishes accompanied many care packages to the west coast that grew larger as she discovered there were more people there that appreciated home made cookies. Hand made baby blankets, hats and clothing were freely given to children in need. In an effort to keep active and remain in touch with people, babysitting became another outlet. In this manner her grandmothering skills were put to good use and lots of local kids were treated to her giving nature. Gardening was her passion; vegetables, flowers, and even tending the lawn. It only mattered that she could get outside and enjoy what she had worked so hard to create. From square dancing, to ocean cruises, travels to Europe, trips to the movies, book signing or simply coffee with friends, she enjoyed it all. She did a lot of traveling and was recently on a trip to Georgia with her sisters when the illness forced her to return home early and to the hospital. She was welcoming, accepting and loving of all who entered her life and will be remembered for her willingness to participate in anything she found interesting and with anyone that would join her, and make them feel a part of it. Gertrude is survived by three children, Dwight Schirmer and wife Susan of Milford, MA, Carol Schirmer of Eugene, OR and David Schirmer of Ashland, MA, sisters Doris Fuller of Weston, MA and MaryAnn Pappanikou of Weston, MA, one grandchild, Jennifer Schirmer and nine nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be on Monday April 13th a 10 a.m. at the Matarese Funeral Home in Ashland, MA followed at 11 by a memorial service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 9 Erie Drive, Suite 101, Natick, MA 01760.