Thursday, March 29, 2007 Older Editions

Gertrude Humphrey

Gertrude (Ball) Humphrey, 93, of Seabrook Beach, N.H., died Sunday, March 19.

Her many friends and acquaintances can attest to the fact that she lived a full and satisfying life.

Born in Lawrence in 1913 to J. Rodney Ball and Maude Perry Ball, Gertrude was an early visitor to our shores. In 1902, her uncle, Benjamin W. Hayes, had built the house on Atlantic Avenue that remains to this day. Inherited by her mother, the house, named "The Warwick," eventually was passed on to Gertrude.

A graduate of Colby Sawyer College with a degree in occupational therapy, Gertrude worked for many years as a librarian at Phillips Andover Academy. She also gave many volunteer hours to the Gift Shop at Lawrence General Hospital. The Andover Travelers Group counted Gertrude among their number; she, like her mother before her, was an enthusiastic participant.

After the death of her husband, Dr. I. Malcolm Humphrey, she made the decision to move to the beach and she pursued interest in a local gift shop for a time. Always active in town affairs, she volunteered her services for local political endeavors, and also worked with the Visiting Nurses Association.

She was an enthusiastic gardener, loved puzzle solving, and never missed TV's candlepin bowling. Until health issues made it impossible, Gertrude managed a daily dip in the Atlantic she so loved. She was a communicant at Trinity United Church in Seabrook.

She is survived by her nephew, Jack Ball and his wife, Jan; her grandniece, Rebecca Meehan and her husband, Chris; as well as a large number of extended family members.

Funeral arrangements were under the auspices of the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home in Andover. A graveside service was held on Thursday, March 22, at Belleview Cemetery in Lawrence. Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to Trinity United Church, 29 Main St., Seabrook, NH 03874; or Colby Sawyer College, 541 Main St., New London, NH 03257-7835; or to Lawrence General Hospital, 1 General St., Lawrence, MA 01841.