Obituary of Gertrude-M. Thompson

->Chester - Gertrude M. Thompson, 102, passed away on Nov. 12, 2009, in Chester.Gertrude was born June 23, 1907, to Clarence W. and Minetta (Daly) Thompson of New London. Gertrude grew up in New London, graduating from Williams Memorial Institute (now the Williams School) and the Scudder School in New York City.Gertrude's main passion in life was always "theater, theater, theater," as she put it. She studied at the Theatre Guild School and the Ned Wayburn Studio of Dance, both in New York City. Gertrude appeared in many summer stock plays during the 1930s, usually as an ingenue lead. Some of the companies with which she appeared included the Carroll Players, the Lyric Players, the New York Players at Ivoryton, and the Lyceum Players. She also appeared at the Barbizon-Plaza Theatre in New York City and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.During World War II, Gertrude did considerable volunteer work for the American Red Cross, including work as an ambulance driver. Following World War II, Gertrude toured Japan, Korea, and other locations with the U.S.O., starring in the production "Junior Miss."She enjoyed working with children and teens and established a young people's theater group at New London Junior College (now Mitchell College), in the late 1940s. Following her theater years, she was employed as a librarian at Electric Boat from which she retired.Gertrude never married. In her later life, she resided for a number of years with her only niece, Joan F. Jenks, and Joan's husband, Frank M. Jenks, of Niantic.She was predeceased by her sister, Helen Thompson Faulkner.Gertrude was devoted to her great niece, Hilary Goduti and Emil; nephew, Craig Jones and Deborah; and her great-grandnieces, Amelia Goduti and Ashley and Courtney Jones. She was an avid reader throughout her life and maintained a continuing interest in children and animals, particularly the family cat, Emma and dog, Cecily.Gertrude was a direct descendant of Mayflower passengers, Isaac Allerton and his wife, Mary (Norris) Allerton.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at St. Agnes Church, Haigh Ave., Niantic, and will be followed by burial at the West Neck Cemetery, Waterford. Calling hours will be be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.Contributions may be made in her memory to the Connecticut Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Road, Quaker Hill CT 06375.Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com