Gertrude Phillips

Gertrude Phillips (nee Pinkham) went home to be with the Lord on June 14, 2026, at the age of 98. She was a resident at Willow Valley Communities in Willow Street, PA.

Gertrude (Trudi) was born to Alice and Harold Pinkham in Ridgefield Park, NJ on Aug 23, 1927, the youngest of five children. Her work career began in New York City as a secretary in the Banking industry with Chase Bank. Trudi moved to Illinois in 1962, married and gave birth to her son, Richard, in 1963. Trudi and Richard moved back to Leonia, NJ in 1969 and Trudi continued her career in banking with United Jersey Bank/FleetSummit. She retired in 1996 after 26 years as an Executive Secretary.

In 1996, Trudi moved to Rossmoor Village Senior Community in Monroe Township, NJ to be near her sisters. She was very active in the Community Woman’s Clubs and the Community Church there. In 2002, Trudi experienced great sorrow, losing her son Richard due to medical complications and then in later years, her sisters and brothers. Trudi’s final move was to Willow Valley Retirement Community in Willow Street, PA in 2017 to be near her niece.

Trudi was an independent and hardworking, woman and mother. She had a great sense of humor, a beautiful smile, and always “dressed to the nines” in her heyday. During her retirement, Trudi enthusiastically toured with the Greater NY branch of “Sweet Adelines”, an international singing group dedicated to advancing the musical artform of barbershop singing and harmony. They performed in the US and overseas, winning several first-place medals in competition. She was known for keeping up with “the news”, but even more so, her passion and research for how the body systems work and healthy supplements to keep her fit. All through life, Trudi loved her siblings as they were her support and true family. Trudi also loved the Lord and lived in gratitude of Him walking her through life in good and in hard times.

Trudi was predeceased by her husband Frank Phillips, her son Richard Phillips; her siblings Alicia Young (Thomas), Eunice Munro (Thomas), Herbert Pinkham (Evelyn), and Jack Pinkham (Gwen); her nieces Joyce Hall; Betty Adams; and her nephew Donald Munro.

Surviving are her nieces and nephews: Bruce Munro of San Francisco, CA; Barbara Gill of Williamstown, MA; Patsy Drab (Ted) of Edmond, OK; John Pinkham (Joyce) of Kirtland OH; Elizabeth Pinkham of Lancaster, PA; Kathryn Sharp (Donald) of Altoona, FL; Douglas Pinkham (Nancy) of Simpsonville, SC; Nancy Rossman (Charles) of Manheim, PA; Robert Pinkham (Aldo) of Ogunquit, ME; Peggy Lesnewich (Alan) of New Providence, NJ; and many grandnieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Willow Valley’s Spring Run Auditorium at 10:30 AM, 950 Willow Valley Lakes Dr., Building J, Willow Street, PA.