Gertrude A. “Gertie” Detine, age 92, passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, at Charlotte House Comfort Care Home in North Java. She was born in Buffalo NY on May 1, 1933, to the late Edmund and Helen (Nowak) Krantz. A beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Gertie will be remembered for her generosity, humility, wit and warmth.
Gertie grew up on Buffalo’s east side, attending Kensington High School and Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. After leaving school, she was employed by Westinghouse in Buffalo, contributing to her family’s upkeep and establishing her own independence. After the Korean War, she met veteran Airman John Patrick “Pat” Detine at an evening social. They were married on July 16, 1955, and began raising a family in South Buffalo. The young couple moved to Batavia NY, where Pat had taken a job in Batavia’s Industrial Center. Gertie proudly raised two girls and two boys, nurturing them through school and encouraging them in all their pursuits.
Gertie had many interests and hobbies. She was famed for her baking, spinning out pies, pastries, cookies and other sweet treats that were a highlight of countless family meals and holiday gatherings. Her handiwork in the form of crocheted mitts, hats and blankets kept her family warm during western New York’s winter months. She loved special occasions, particularly when a family member was being honored for a personal achievement or milestone. Gertie’s competitive side came out through her enjoyment of card games and bingo, especially at the Elks Club in Batavia, as well as Yahtzee and casino slots. She and Pat hosted many family get-togethers, often capped off by a spirited game of pinochle, which might be propelled by Carling Black Label long necks and contested well into the evening.
A devout Catholic, Gertie became a member of St. Joseph’s Church after moving to Batavia. She also attended St. Anthony’s Church before settling back into Resurrection Parish. She maintained her faith throughout her life, attending church services until her final months.
Gertie is survived by sisters Annette “Nan” (Ralph) Siedel of Tucson, AZ, and Dorothy “Dottie” Guasto of Plant City, FL, daughters Sharon (Frank) Paparone and Brenda (Vic) Marchese; sons Mark (Karen) Detine and Paul Detine, grandchildren Michael Paparone and Frankie Paparone, Abbey (Brad) Cohen and Billy (Bethany) Barnett, great-grandchildren Michael Paparone Jr., Saibh Barnett and Loughlin Barnett, dear cousin Joan Cholasinski, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Gertie was preceded in death by husband Pat and daughter-in-law Aine Staunton Barnett.
Friends and family may call on Friday, May 16 from 3-5 p.m. at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia NY. Everyone is invited to a celebration of Gertie’s life and Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 17 at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish at 303 East Main in Batavia. Following the service Gertie will be laid to rest beside her husband at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Gertrude’s name to Charlotte House at 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113 https://www.charlottehousecomfortcare.org. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
