Gertrude Gariepy Joy

ST. IGNATIUS — Gertrude Gariepy Joy, 93, died of natural causes on March 9, 2006.

She died at her home surrounded by her loving family and her best friend, Toots McCollum.

She was born Sept. 17, 1912, in Lambert, to Norman and Mable Boyd. She graduated from High School in Richey in 1930 and immediately went to work at the local bank.

Fred Gariepy also came to work at the bank about the same time, romance blossomed and they were married on July 14, 1931. They lived and worked in Richey and Ronan before establishing Lake County Bank in March, 1945.

Gertrude was kept busy with her young family during the first few years but found herself becoming very involved in many community activities. In the 1940s, she helped start the Campfire Girls program. She also was a member of the Catholic Ladies Guild, the local PTA and the Hospital Guild. Her services to the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society date back more than 50 years.

She went back to work at the family bank in 1954 and worked there until her retirement in 1981. She also served on the Board of Directors of Lake County Bank.

Gertrude had five children and she lost her beloved husband in October 1972. She found love a second time when she met El Joy. They were married in January 1981. They lived a happy life together until he died in October 1999.

Gertrude's biggest love was gardening, and her flowers and garden attest the lady's green thumb. She also loved fishing, hunting, crochet, knitting, playing cards and loved to dance.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Mable Boyd; her first husband, Fred Gariepy; her second husband, El Joy; brother John Boyd; sons Pete and Steven Gariepy; daughters Sharon Rider and Mary Lou Gariepy; granddaughter Cheryl Gariepy and her great-granddaughter Dawn Gariepy.

She is survived by son Larry Gariepy and his wife Letty; daughter-in-law Joanne Gariepy; son-in-law Dean Rider; sister-in-law Fern Boyd and four stepdaughters, Norma, Melva, Deanna and Doris; 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Mass being celebrated at Wednesday, March 15, in the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Interment followed in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.