Gertrude Knight

WEBSTER - Gertrude S. (Coppersmith Gordon) Knight passed away on March 6 after a brief illness. She was a resident of Christopher Heights in Webster after residing in Oxford for more than 40 years. Gertrude was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, David F. Knight in 2013. Gertrude leaves two children, daughter Susan T. Lamb and her daughter Sara of Washington, DC; her son George W. Lamb, Jr. of Weathersfield, Vermont and his three children Hudson M. Lamb of Springfield, Vermont, Julia M. Lamb of Tampa, Florida and Catherine L. Lamb of Philadelphia. She also is survived by step-daughter Mary Desy, and her two daughters Lee Ann Desy and Brenda Diggs, all of Worcester. Gertrude was predeceased by brother, William C. Coppersmith of Boston and first husband, George W. Lamb, Sr. of Worcester. Born May 15, 1921, Gertrude grew up in Worcester and graduated from Commerce High School in 1939. During World War II, Gertrude worked at Wyman-Gordon. She retired in 1983 from George F. Blake Steel, Inc. after 25 years as a sales representative. She was a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Worcester and later joined the Oxford United Methodist Church in 1971. Gertrude was a dedicated volunteer for nearly two decades with the Massachusetts Association for the Blind (MAB) learning Braille to translate books, and a long-term companion for many MAB clients. In 1994 she received MAB's Volunteer of the Year Award. She also volunteered at the Oxford Senior Center, Oxford Meals on Wheels and was a member of the D.A.V. Auxiliary. An avid gardener and dedicated Boston Red Sox fan, Gertrude will undoubtedly be remembered for her famous date-nut bread she made at the holiday season each year and donated to local charity events as well as to family, friends and an ever-growing list of fans. The family would like to express its deep appreciation to the staff of the Transitional Care Unit in Webster who cared for our mother in her final days, especially to Lori, Danielle, Janet and Robert; and to the incredible staff at Christopher Heights where she loved living. We cannot thank you all enough. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015 (her 94th birthday), at Hope Cemetery, 119 Webster Street, Worcester. Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, is directing the arrangements. A memorial contribution can be made in Gertrude's name to the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, 799 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606. To leave a condolence message for her family, please visit click on "Sign Guestbook."