Gertrude Fleury, "Grace" to all who knew her, passed on Thursday, April 26, 2012.
Grace was born to Margaret and Bernard Blackney in New York in 1937. She always remained a native New Yorker. Grace entered the work force at an early age, starting as a secretary with Metropolitan Life Insurance. She quickly entered management as she was always a natural leader. She was Vice President of Contracts of ILC Data Device Corporation in Bohemia, Long Island. She loved to travel and was an avid skier–An active member of the SKIDADDLER’S Ski Club, she traveled the globe tackling double black diamonds.
Always the organizer, Grace was an active member of the Ocala Red Hats, member of the Ostio group of Ocala. She helped start the Ocala Palms lending library as she was an avid reader her entire life. Grace was a natural artist creating and teaching painting in her retirement. She also loved to sew and crochet and always created the most beautiful Afghans and baby blankets for all of the new additions to family and friends.
Grace is survived by husband and partner of 23 years, Norman; two brothers, Bernard and Ronald Blackney; daughter, Cathy Valent and husband, Tom, and grandchildren, Alex and Caitlyn; daughter, Corinne Tesh and husband, John; and lifelong friend of 70 years, Patty McGowan.
Grace was an extended matriarch her husband, Norman's family. She is also survived by her step-son Steven, wife, Donna, and their children, Christy, Danielle, Michelle and Jessica; step-daughter Dina, husband, Gil, and their children, Rachel and Alicia; step-daughter Denise, husband, Rob, and their children, Jake and Cooper; step-daughter Lisa, and children, Kevin and Craig; step-son, John; and step-daughter, Donna.
A memorial service will be held at Stone Creek in Ocala at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ocala Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center, PO Box 2193, Ocala, FL 34478.
Please sign the guestbook below.
As a fellow Red Hatter, we enjoyed many good times together with our group. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Her smile and laughter was infectious to all.
To My Best Friend Grace;
How does one say Goodbye to 70 years of love, support, good times, laughter, tears and friendship? You have always been there for me with unconditional love and I for you. Not many have shared what we went through together over the years. “Thank You” seems so insignificant a phrase but we understood the meaning behind it because of our love for each other; and so dear friend you leave me with an empty place in my heart that no one else will ever fill.
Thanks for all the memories.
Your Best Friend,
Patti
A MASS WILL BE OFFERED FOR GRACE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY LOVE MARY
I went on a trip to Italy with Grace and Corinne. Upon meeting “Gertrude” I asked her, what do you want me to call you? She said Just call me Grace! so prety much that is what I did. Just call me Grace, please pass the salt. To us, it was so funny. Everytime I met Grace, she was laughing.
She had great patience too…Corinne was supposed to get on a plane from NYC to Boston for the weekend. She missed the early flight because we slept late. The next cause we needed breakfast and so the story goes….that evening she made it to Boston. Grace was not mad, but loved the adventure of the whole thing.
The angels in Heaven better get ready to laugh, smile and have the time of their lives!
Rest in peace “Just call me Grace” you will be missed.
Cathy, I only met your mother one time and was fortunate enough to enjoy a day’s conversation with her. I found her to be an admirable woman. To you and your family, may your hearts and souls find peace and comfort.