Gertrude Stone Baptiste Was Home Health Aide

Gertrude Stone Baptiste of Vineyard Haven died peacefully at age 93 on Feb. 19 at Windemere in Oak Bluffs. Gertrude was born and raised in Boston. Upon graduation from high school she attended LaSalle College in Newton. She was the daughter of Seymour H. and Amy (Wentworth) Stone. Gertrude was married in 1934 to Edmund Wilberding with whom she had their daughter Ann.

Gertrude moved to the Vineyard in 1940 and worked at the Rideworth Launch Inn on Main street in Vineyard Haven. She later went on to receive training and became a home health aide. She worked privately for various Island families as well as the nursing service agencies on the Island. She was also the widow of George P. Baptiste Sr., whom she married in 1955. She was also an active member of Christ United Methodist Church in Vineyard Haven and the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion.

Gertrude is survived by her daughter Ann and her husband Peter Brewer of Quincy; step-sons George P. Baptiste Jr. and the late Lester Baptiste and their respective families; two grandchildren, Elisabeth Strachan of Braintree and Clark Brewer of Cohasset. A graveside service will be held on March 3 at 11 a.m. at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven officiated by Rev. Helen Oliver followed by a gathering at the American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be made to an Island charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home for more information and an online guest book visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.