Gertrude K. Potash

Gertrude K. Potash, 107, of Brattleboro, passed away peacefully at home, in her sleep, Friday March 15^th surrounded by family. 

Gertrude was born at home on August 25, 1916 in Hinsdale, NH to Polish immigrant parents Wojcieck “John Smith” Kazmierczak and Constance Sambraska Kazmierczak. She was raised in Ashuelot, NH and attended grammar school there and graduated from Thayer High School.

On March 2, 1935 in Winchester, NH, she married Frances J. Potash, who worked for her father at the Ashuelot Paper Mill. Together they had two daughters, Constance and Angeline, and moved to Putney in 1938 when her father “John Smith” purchased a paper mill and began the enormous task of refurbishing, renovating, and restarting the manufacturing of paper in the small town. Gertrude worked for many years with the family in the office at the Putney Paper Mill until the business was sold. 

After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling, cooking, playing golf, going to the casino, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Gertrude was predeceased by her husband, Frank in 1966, daughter Connie in 1981, daughter Ann in 2015, and her beloved pet, Harley, in 2023. 

She leaves behind four grandchildren, Ellen Williams and her husband, Joseph Wallace of Brattleboro, VT, with whom she made her home with for the past 12 years, Kelli Hanzalik and her husband, Joseph of Spofford, NH, Michael Bennett of Arizona, and Michael Mozier or East Dover, VT; and four great-granchildren, Sarah Williams, Michael Rooney, Catherine Rooney, and Rachael Rooney, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

At the time of her death, she was believed to be the oldest living person in Vermont. 

A graveside service will be held on April 13th at 11 am at Saint Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro with a reception to follow.