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Gertrude McBain Born Asna Gertrude Fleischman, on March 1, 1912, to immigrant parents Jacob Fleischman (Russia) and Minnie Skalka (Austria) in Jersey City, N.J., died March 13, 2009, at the Rusk County Nursing Home. She asked us to explain her cause of death as “She was 97 years old, what do you expect?” Her only regret to moving into Ladysmith was there was no Judaic affiliation nearby for her to attend. She was proud of her heritage. Gertrude attended the Cooper School of Art in New Jersey. There she learned what was to become her signature in life, although much later. She met and married Jon Cornin while attending art school. They traveled to New Mexico, and while there had one son Raphael. After divorcing she traveled to Rockford, Ill. This is where she met and married Francis McBain. They had one son Bill. Gertrude moved from Illinois to Ladysmith in 1981. Here she belonged to the Gem and Mineral Club, and her “art to wear” became known to all. She would start with raw gemstones, cut them to shape, and place them into a custom made silver findings for a finished product From coast to coast, her silver work was known. When Gertrude became, what she called incapable of working with raw silver, her interests took her to bead work. As many know, Gertrude was an activist for human rights and senior citizens. If there was a political issue she believed in, she was in for the long haul. Some may remember some of her letters to the editors. She belonged to many political organizations. On a daily basis, until the time of her death, she would be on her computer, expressing her political opinions, and learning more. Gertrude was preceded in death by her mother and father; her siblings Mildred, Lloyd and Ben; and her husband, Francis. She is survived by her sons Ray (Pattie) of Seattle and Bill (Mel) of Ladysmith; and her grandchildren Bill Jr., R.B (Melanie), Mike (Kim), and Debbie. She also had great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Little Bill, Jonny, Tyler, Willow, Saphire, Xander, and Tiana. The above picture was taken just days before Gertrude’s death on her 97th birthday. She was very happily to see her local family that day. Unfortunately, her Washington state family was not able to get here to share in the event. Gertrude was cremated, and a later date will be made known for a gathering of friends. http://www.ladysmithnews.com/full.php?id=5503