Williams: Gertrude Christine “Gertie”,
Gertrude Christine “Gertie” Williams (née McCall) was born on Nov 21, 1938 in Mulgrave, Nova Scotia and passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at Matthews House Hospice in Alliston.
Gertie was the beloved wife of the late John “Ralph” Williams and shared many happy years with her dear partner, the late Hugh “Tex” Critchlow. She was a devoted mother of Lisa Anne, Cheryl Lynn (Stephen Masson), and Denise Caryn (Shawn Beattie). The most precious people in her life were her 6 grandchildren, Crystal Beattie(JC), Jake Beattie, Kaleb Williams-Forde, Keara Masson, Riley Williams-Forde, and Lauren Masson.
Dear sister of Lillian (the late Roy Torrey), Theresa (the late Ross Hardy), Gloria (Calvin Langille), the late Howard McCall (late Margaret McCall), and the late Peter McCall (Joan McCall). Gertie will be fondly missed by her extended family and the many friends whose lives she touched.
For more than 50 years, Gertie was an active member of the Tottenham community and a pillar of the Church of the Evangelists (formerly Christ Church). Her dedication, love, faith, and desire to be in service to others touched many lives, especially as the inaugural and longest serving Sunday School Leader. She loved to “make a joyful noise” by entertaining crowds of people with her guitar in weekly services, bible camps, at residential care facilities, and celebrations. In support of the church, Gertie organized garage sales, roast beef dinners, barbeques, and bake sales, featuring her famous “Gertie pies”. In support of the community, she was best known and most proud of the creation of the community outreach program, the “Soup and Sandwich”, which provided great home cooked food and even better company for many people over many years, which is still greatly missed and talked about today.
Her kind heart, compassion, and love for others also lead her into a career as a Personal Support Worker at Simcoe Manor, where she worked for many years.
Her family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham (905-936-3477), on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held at Church of the Evangelists, 99 Queen St. N., Tottenham, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Gertie’s honour. A reception will follow in the church hall.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Matthews House Hospice for their exceptional care, respect, and warm support during this difficult time.
They would also like to extend their sincerest gratitude for the continued outpouring of thoughts and prayers from friends, family, and members of her church over the last few months.
Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home. To honour Gertie’s legacy of service, donations can be made to the Church of the Evangelists and Matthews House Hospice. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham RoadTottenham, Ontario L0G1W0
Saturday March 14, 2026
4:00pm - 8:00pm
Memorial Service
Church of the Evangelists
99 Queen St. N., Tottenham, Ontario L0G1W0
Sunday March 15, 20262:00pm
Tanisha Joseph says
Gert was the purest soul I have ever met. I lived next to her for about 13 years and she was like another grandmother to me. She always welcomed me with open arms, and food on the table. To this day, I have never had zucchini muffins better then hers 🙂
She will always be in my heart.
Delphine Archibald says
What sadness I felt when I just read that your mother had died,
There are so many good memories of times that we shared together at Bible Studies,Church meetings Choir and socials.
She was a wonderful,uplifting and caring person.
My sincere sympathy to the family.
Heavens gain our loss.
Terry Brown says
Dear Lisa, Cheryl and Denise – so very sorry for the loss of your mom. Fondest memories of her from when we were kids and the camping trip with your family in Tweed. Biggest hugs and deepest condolences XO
Patricia Mackay says
My sincere condolences to the Williams family and friends.
Gertie was a warm, caring and beautiful lady.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patty Mackay
Julie,Duane,Taylor and Connor Smith says
Our deepest condolences to your families.
Shirley Morrow says
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman.
She will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family.
Hugs Shirley Morrow
Tammy Timmerman says
This news of Gerts passing has left many of us in heart ache!
She was an amazing woman with alot of spirit!!
I feel honored to have had the camping days in Tweed with her, Tex, Lisa, Denise, Cheryl and their family!
We had so many laughs and I remember getting Gert interested in a stock I was following.
Gert always had a way to make everyone feel welcomed!
One thing is for sure, I will always remember Gert fondly!!
Sending hugs to Denise, Lisa and Cheryl and sincere condolences to the rest of the family!
Gert will live on in our wonderful memories! She shall be missed! RIP
Sheri Sallows says
My sincere condolences to the Williams family!
Sheri Sallows (Jackson)
Danielle Gilas says
Lisa, Cheryl, Denise and all the rest of your family, we were all so very lucky to have had a Gertie in our lives! She was an incredible woman who made us feel loved and supported. I will hold her dearly in my heart forever. Sincere condolences and rest in peace xo
Wayne Courtney says
Condolences to the family. Always enjoyed her laugh and her kindness.
Peter Browne says
Lisa, Kaleb & Riley, our deepest condolences in the loss of your Mother & Grandmother. Was always great seeing her out at the boys games.
Executive at TBDMSA
Peter Browne says
To Lisa, Cheryl and Denise; May we extend our deepest sympathy to each of you and your families during this time of sorrow. Cherish all your precious memories of your Mother. May she rest in peace.
Kim, Peter & Regan
James Fraser says
Oh my. Gertie Williams is now, and will always be, burned into my memory from childhood as such a force of nature. Sunday schools, and day camps, and anywhere else you could find her with a guitar in her hand and a song in her heart. Such precious, happy memories. I’m sure it had something to do with me wanting to play and sing too. Condolences, warmest thoughts and sincerest sympathies to you, Lisa, Cheryl and Denise, and to everyone in the family. Gertie will never be forgotten by anyone who knew her.
Cindy Membery says
From the Williams-Forde family From our hearts to Gerturde Williams family we share sincere condolences to you all , we prayer The Strength of The Lord be upon the family in celebration of Gertrude a life lived in service unto The Gospel of Truth.
Fly High Queen for there is indeed a place in heaven for you ✨️ ❤️ Until we meet again ♥️
Nathalie Copp says
Denise, Lisa, Cheryl and your families, so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Mother and my condolences to all of you at this difficult time. My heart aches for all of you. Keep all of your great memories of her close to your heart.
I have known Gertie and family many years as a neighbor and through our Church we were in the Church Choir for many years.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. She was a special person and will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace my friend.
Lori Thorne says
Lisa Cheryl and Denise my thoughts are with all at this time it was a pleasure working with Gertie over the years at simcoe manor with her singing and her quitar she made a lot of smiles and laughter she was great and will be missed
Amanda Ranby says
My condolences to the Family I knew Gertie from going to the Soup and sandwich on a Thursday’s at the church of the Evangelist RIP Gertie
Elly Mohlmann says
Gertie my friend Rest in Peace.
Elly Mohlmann
Bobby says
Denise and Shawn I’m thinking of you, and your family, at this difficult time. I am sad to hear of Gertie’s passing.
Kelsey and Lawrenn Worth says
To Lisa, Cheryl, Denise and family,
My condolences go out to all of you during this difficult time. Gertie will be missed so much. I care for nanny (Lillian) three nights a week and there wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t talk about Gertie and her family in Ontario and how she wishes she were closer to see everyone.
The last time I saw Gertie was at my baby shower almost three years ago. There she shared many stories and memories and was always smiling. She lit up every room she walked into. I am so grateful for the time I did get with her and am sending all my love and support to you all.
Sharron Simpson says
To Lisa, Cheryl and Denise; May I extend my deepest sympathy to each of you and your families during this time of profound sorrow. I will always remember your Mother for her kindness, her infectious laugh and her like-no-other giving personality. If anyone could light up a room, Gert could! Her energy and spirit were completely unequaled. It was an honour to have known Gert. Cherish all your precious memories of your Mother. Rest in peace Gert and congratulations on a life well lived.
Marija Ivos says
My Condominiums Lisa
To your family
You mom rest in peace
Love Marija Ivos
Se you veni come back from my vacation
Be strong
Terri and Mark Siddons says
Lisa, Cheryl, Denise and all the family.
I am crying with you my sisters from my other mother Gertie. She was more than our neighbor and babysitter for all those years on Albert Street. Her home was our safe place until our parents got home from work and we were treated like family. There are so many things I learned from your mom like how to play guitar, enjoy country music, cook and bake from scratch, make something from nothing if need be and to love the process along the way and give thanks to Jesus. I learned teamwork at your house from an early age as your mom expected all of us to contribute to the day, the meals and the upkeep of the house. Our families camping together in Tweed will forever hold a special place in my heart and when I swim the side stroke I will always think of her swimming alongside me. I thank god for the lessons I learned from your mom and give thanks to her for her role is my upbringing. I loved her and will miss her and every time I hear the song “Country Roads, Take me home, to the place, I belong” I know where she is.
Marie Jozwiak (Hardy) says
Love to all Dave and Marie TJ, Luke, and Jake.
Rest now Gert.❤️
Michelle Oates Smith says
My sincerest condolences to you all. She was a lovely lady and I know I will miss seeing her this summer at the ball field watching and cheering the kids, but I will remember her.
Alisa Copp says
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I remember Gertie being such a strong lady. Quite the force of nature!
Bob and Margaret Milligan says
We are so sorry for your loss. Gertie always had a smile and was such a
kind person. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during
this difficult time.
Bob & Margaret Milligan
Shelley Barlow says
May you be resting peacefully now, up in Heaven, with those who have passed before you. Your hair always looked perfect and you wore your cross pendant, with pride and love, for your faith.
Your smile and kind words will be missed on our court,
John and Shelley Barlow
Brian England says
My condolences to all. Very sorry to read of Gertie’s passing. Very sorry for your loss.
Betty Mahar (Hardy) says
So sorry .She will be missed many happy times . Lots of memories sorry I cant physically be there too many miles separate us. Miles apart but always in my heart.
Betty and Gary
RIP Aunt Gert
Anne Schenko says
LISA CHERYL AND DENISE: YOUR MOM WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON. I REMEMBER FROM MY YEARS IN TOTTENHAM THAT SHE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND A VERY FUNNY PERSON. SHE WILL BE MISSED. RIP
Joanmccall says
So sorry to hear of your lost. She was a great.person.
Joan Mccall
Fran & Stan Gilas says
Our Gertie was one special lady. Always there for everyone with a smile and that infectious laugh. Gertie was our best friend and neighbour. She was the second Mom to our kids. We shared so much together in those early days in Tottenham. She was always my partner playing euchre on those Friday nights together. We shared recipes and she taught me how to make bread and the perfect pie crust. It’s hard to say “good bye” to Gertie. She will be in our hearts forever with love. The heavens have gained another angel. God has called Gertie home.
Our very sincere condolences to Lisa, Cheryl, Denise and the whole family. Our hearts are with you in your time of sorrow.
Love,
Fran and Stan Gilas
Leanne McCullough says
Rachel, Erin and I send our deepest condolences to you and your families. We have fond memories of Gertie from our time camping in Tweed as well as during bible camp when Erin was young. Mom was a big fan of the ‘soup and sandwich’ when it was running. Take comfort in your memories of her and how many people she touched with her kindness.
Lesley Schenko says
So sorry for your loss.
Vi Ivany says
My sincere condolences to Lisa, Cheryl, and Denise, on the passing of your beloved mother.
I have many, many happy memories of Gert. Unfortunately, health issues have separated us over the past few years.
Rest in peace, my dear friend.
I will never forget you.
Vi Ivany
Judy Henderson says
Condolences to Lisa, Cheryl, Denise and families. Gertie will truly be missed. Always enjoyed her playing her guitar at church and having all the kids sing. And we can’t forget all the Christmas plays.
Thinking of you all.
Judy and Andy Henderson
Karen Mallany says
Condolences to you, Denise, Lisa & Cheryl & families. Gertie was a much loved member of our Church Family and will be greatly missed. I’m sure she is playing her guitar for the heavenly choir in praise & worship of her beloved Lord Jesus.
Karen Mallany
Donnie Semple says
I want to send my condolences to the family.
Gertie taught me many things. Under her tutelage, I was a Sunday school teacher for one season.
Gertie was a sound source of inspiration and strength for anyone that went to her for support.
Your presence in the church was a beautiful gift to everyone.
Thank you Gertie. You are always in my memory.
Thank you for your support during my mother’s memorial in 2011.
Roger and Linda Begin says
To Lisa, Cheryl, Denise and family. Our sincere condolences to you on the passing of your mom Gert. She was one of the first of the friends and neighbours we met when we moved to Tottenham and shared many hours of talking and generally having a good time.
She gave much to the community and to helping others. She will be truly missed.
Carol Fraser says
I will never forget the reception for Bishop Art Brown when Gertie played the guitar and sang “Oh Lord its hard to be humble”….what a dear lady and she could say “Praise the Lord”, as easily as breathing. She was dearly loved and missed by the Fraser family. Hugs to Lisa, Cheryl and Denise, as they mourn the loss of their mother. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” – Carol, Peter, James, Joe and Cheryl