Gertrude L. Huffsmith

HORNELL-Gertrude L. “Gert” Huffsmith, 92, of Bennett St., passed away peacefully Saturday morning (June 14, 2014) at McAuley Manor in North Hornell.
Born in Avoca on Jan. 7, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Ada Ferris Partridge. On Dec. 8, 1945, she was married at the First Baptist Church in Hornell to George P. Huffsmith, who survives.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Gert was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1940 where she served as class president, was a member of the basketball team and was first chair for violin in the orchestra.
She was employed by Steuben Trust Company from 1940 to 1946 at which time she began raising her family of seven children.
Gert became employed with the Hornell City School District in the early 1970’s as a substitute secretary and eventually as a permanent secretary at the former Irving School. Later she became a part time instructor in office skills for the Steuben-Allegany County BOCES in Hornell before her retirement.
A very active member of the First Baptist Church in Hornell, she was also an active member of the Hornell High School Alumni Association. Gert and George were instrumental in forming the Cinderella Softball League in Hornell where she served as treasurer for many years. For about 10 years she was a member of the Community Orchestra in Hornell and in 1956-1957 she attained second place in the Mrs. America Contest for Steuben and Allegany Counties.
Her main focus in life, for many years, was her family. She enjoyed spending time fishing with George and outlet shopping in Reading, Pa. with her daughters. Gert loved life and enjoyed making others happy.
Her loving family includes her husband of 69 years, George; her seven children, Philip (Linda) Huffsmith of Charlotte, NC, Mark (Mary Helen) Huffsmith of Moorhead, Minn., Susan (Matt) Dwyer of Albany, Rev. George (Joanne) Huffsmith of Kalamazoo, Mich., Sarah Knickerbocker of Hopewell Junction, N.Y. Sandra (Ted) Hillman of Hornell and Peter (Debi) Huffsmith also of Hornell; her 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; her brother, Richard Partridge of Arkport; also her nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her brother, Gerald Partridge, Jr. in 1929.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Gertrude L. “Gert” Huffsmith.
A funeral service was held in her memory at 11 a.m. today (Monday) at the First Baptist Church in Hornell; her son, Rev .Dr. George A. Huffsmith and Pastor Cedric Cooper, M. Div. officiated. Interment will be in the Howard Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the First Baptist Church, 28 Church St., Hornell, N.Y. 14843.

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