Gertrude Dersch

Gertrude S. Dersch (nee Schoenberg) age 94 years died peacefully in her sleep on December 22, 2007 in Virginia. Mrs. Dersch was born in Hamburg, Germany on March 10, 1913 to Hugo and Therese Schoenberg. She came to America in 1923 through Ellis Island and lived in Philadelphia for several years before the opportunity came to move to Swedesboro. Gertrude was a graduate of Swedesboro High School and then the Cooper School of Nursing. She was a member of Zion Evangelical Church in Clarksboro (now Evangelical United Methodist) and she met her husband, Daniel Arthur Dersch, there. Gertrude and Arthur where married in 1935 and purchased the Dersch Farm from Arthur’s father. They raised food for the Liberty Ship Builders along the Delaware River and had two children. Gertrude was active in Sunday and Church activities at Evangelical U.M. and often had monthly get togethers with friends and her home always held large family gatherings for birthdays and holidays. After carefully raising her sons, Gertrude returned to school nursing at East Greenwich Township Schools. She cared for her students, sometimes encouraging, sometimes scolding, and often privately weeping for them. In return she brought home piles of handmade cards and notes. She truly lived by her favorite Bible verse “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” After retiring she was surprised to be named Grand Marshall of the Township’s Bicentenial Parade. Mrs. Dersch also enjoyed sewing, knitting and cross stitch in her free time. She is survived by her family, Arthur H. and Elsie Dersch of Whispering Pines, N.C. and Donald and Elizabeth Dersch of Chester, VA; her grandchildren, Therese Dersch, Allison Dersch, Andrew Dersch and Deborah Brooks and 3 great grandchildren. Gertrude was predeceased by her beloved husband, D. Arthur Dersch in 1995. The Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM Saturday December 29, 2007 in Evangelical U.M. Church, Cohawkin Rd., Clarksboro. Friends may call Saturday morning in the Church after 9 AM until service time. Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in her memory to the Memorial Fund of E.U.M. Church, Cohawkin Rd., Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Arrangements under the direction of McBride - Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

Gertrude Dersch

March 10, 1913 - December 22, 2007