Gertrude Louise Irwin

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Gertrude L. (Smith) Irwin, age 94, of Allendale, was called home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Gertrude was a loving mom, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great grandma who cherished her family. She was blessed with a quick wit and a contagious personality that was evident to all who knew her. Gertrude contracted polio at the young age of 24 and survived several months in an iron lung. Through her strong faith in God, she persevered through many life challenges. She had a determined spirit and was an encouragement to everyone she met. Gertude was talented with her cooking and baking, sharing many meals and baked goods with family and friends. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and many other crafts too. Above all, she gave glory to God for everything including all her life circumstances. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley F. Irwin; parents, Ralph and Beatrice Smith; and 8 siblings. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Dudley F. Jr. and Sue Irwin, Donald L. and Jan Irwin, Cheryl L. and Stan Wolbrink, Vicki L. and Mike Tiano; 9 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren; brother, Dan and Carol Smith; sisters, Rita and Darwin Gilbert, Ursula and Don Beecham, Mary Ann Roach; many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 1 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf (Allendale), 6651 Scott St., with Rev. Mark Green officiating. The burial will be held at Allendale Township Cemetery. Because of the presence of Covid-19, the family requests that those who attend please wear a mask. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff and caregivers at Green Acres and Faith Hospice for the love and compassionate care given during Gertrude’s time there. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Allendale Baptist Church Building Fund (https://allendalebaptist.org/building-project).