Gertrude Anna Shay

Gertrude Anna Shay, 94, of Pottsville, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.

Born on September 20, 1930 in Ansbach, Germany. She was the daughter of the late Georg and Elisabeth Vogel.

Preceding her in death were her husband of over 57 years, Thomas Jesse Shay, in 2011 and her grandson Ronald Rose Jr. (husband of Gina) in 2020.

Gertrude is survived by one daughter (Eveline and husband Ron of Pottsville); three sons(Thomas of Cressona, Richard and wife Heidi of Schuylkill Haven, John and wife Terry of Pottsville); two sisters (Irmgard Unruh and Hedwig Hoffmann of Ansbach, Germany); seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

As a young girl, Gertrude's childhood was spent in beautiful Bavaria. However, with the onset of World War II, she and her family suffered through Allied bombings, extensive depravations, and numerous hardships.

After the war, Gertrude met her husband Thomas while he was a US Army soldier stationed in Ansbach. She emigrated to the United States in 1953 with their daughter Eveline. Eventually she proudly attained her US citizenship.

She was employed for many years by Julliette Bridal and Special Moments as a seamstress. Her skills as a seamstress resulted in her establishing many lifelong friendships.

Gertrude's culinary skills resulted in her preparing many delicious, traditional Bavarian dishes and baking truly wondrous German cakes and cookies. Her holiday meals always provided Gemütlichkeit (a German feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer).

She always had plenty of love and compassion for her many beloved dogs.

Sleepovers at Gertrude's home were a wonderful way for her grandchildren to create lasting memories, enjoy quality time, and fostered strong bonds.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 21 at 10:00 AM at Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. at 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville with Reverend Dr. Hugh Vrablic officiating. There willbe a viewing prior to the service from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

The family would prefer contributions be made to either the Hillside SPCA P. O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901 or United Presbyterian Church 214 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901 in her memory.