Gertrude Works

Gertrude “Trudy” Elizabeth (Zerbs )Works, aged 87, passed away peacefully with her son John by her side, September 6, 2016, at her long-time summer home and most favorite place in the world, Beaver Island, Michigan.

Trudy was born May 13, 1929, in Salem, Ohio to her parents Victor and Gunda (Berninger) Zerbs. She attended Salem High School, and graduated from Sullins College, Bristol, Va., in 1947. Trudy then received a B.A. from Bard College (1951) and subsequent Management Training Certification from Radcliffe (Harvard) College in 1952. She taught at the Brown-Hathaway school in Cleveland, Ohio, before she married the love of her life, John W. Works, also from Salem, in 1955. She is survived by three children: E. Gabriel Works (John O’Connor) of Grand Rapids; John W. Works, Jr. (Carolyn) of Beaver Island; and James B. Works (Denise) of Stow, Ohio. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Michael and Matthew Works of Stow, and Margaret Works of Beaver Island, as well as many nieces and nephews. Trudy’s sister-in-law Ruth Zerbs also survives her and still resides in Salem, Ohio.

Trudy was predeceased by her husband, John, in 2007, and her daughter Margaret (“Meg”) in 1983. Also preceding her in death were her parents, her sister Ada Frye and her brother Victor Zerbs.

A memorial service is planned for June 2017 on Beaver Island. Memorial gifts honoring Trudy’s life can be made to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center through the Charlevoix Area Community Foundation or directly to the Beaver Island Fire Department Auxiliary.