Gertrude Treem

December 24, 1923 – January 27, 2026

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Gertrude Treem, who passed away peacefully at the age of 102, in her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born in South Boston, Massachusetts on December 24, 1923, she was the daughter of Leo and Annie (Frazier) Rull, and one of eleven children. She was predeceased by her siblings Mary, Leo, Joseph, Anna, Clare, Leo, Martha, Edward, Robert & Charles.

Gertrude was a proud member of America's Greatest Generation, born six-years before the Great Depression. As a Senior in high school, she learned of the bombing of Pearl Harbor while boarding a Boston city bus to attend Sunday Mass, and later with her family listened with great solemnity as President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation on the Radio. She graduated High School at the outset of World War II and proudly contributed to the war effort by working at the Watertown Arsenal.

It was in Watertown that she met her husband, Ronald Henry Treem, following his service in the United States Navy. Together, they built a life of love and devotion and raised four children: Ronald, Karen, Gerard, and Philip.

Throughout her life, Gertrude remained a steadfast pillar of faith and family. After the loss of her beloved husband in 1972, she devoted herself entirely to her children, providing unwavering support, guidance, and care for the remainder of her life.

Ronald and Gertrude were longtime members of the St. Cecilia's Parish community in Ashland, Massachusetts, where she volunteered regularly as part of the church cleaning team. They were also active participants in the annual Variety Shows during the 1960's, and were well known and highly visible members of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Rice Council, also in Ashland.

Gertrude loved her South Boston home and often would say, "there are two types of people in this world, those from South Boston and those that wish they were" and spent many summers walking Castle Island with friends and family. Gertrude was a passionate supporter of the Boston Red Sox and especially cherished her New England Patriots. She was a devoted season ticket holder and never missed a home game for over a decade in the 1970's and 1980's.

Gertrude is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, who will continue to honor her memory for generations to come.

Gertrude's legacy of love, faith, and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday Feb. 4th at 10:30am in St. Cecilia's Church, 54 Esty St. Ashland with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland.  Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gertrude's name may be made to The Home for Little Wanderers , 72 E Dedham Street, Boston, MA 02118