HILLSIDE – Gertrude Carolyn “Gert” Demmons, 60, Hillside, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at home, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Antigonish, she was a daughter of the late Ellsworth Herbert and Christina Florence (Walsh) Demmons. Gertrude was in her 29th year of teaching (Temperance Street School, New Glasgow), when she was forced to retire due to her long standing fight with cancer. For 11 wonderful years, Gert was a member, and leader of the Folk Choir, Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, Trenton. Gert was always very generous in sharing her personal gifts. An avid reader, she was a very interesting conversationalist and had a wonderful sense of humor. Her humor, faith, courage and determination carried her through life’s many stresses, twists and turns. Gert loved and lived life to the fullest. Surviving are sisters, Elaine Benjamin, Stellarton; Mary Margaret “Peggy” (Glenn) Colby, Edmonton, Alta; Theresa Eileen “Terry” (Martin) Peeters, Hillside; Minnie Bernard, Calgary, Alta; nieces and nephews, Maria, Carolyn, Mardyne, Marty, Derek, Charles, Brian, James, Bobby, Angela and Tina; special grandniece, Haley Christina; aunts, Rita Stewart, Alice Walsh, Betty Walsh-MacKenzie; many cousins; close friend, Sister Franklyn Ferguson, CSM, Antigonish. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph in infancy; aunt, Mary Cleary; uncles, Greg, Alex and Dan Walsh. The family will receive visitors 7-9 p.m. today and 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Friday in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. A prayer vigil, followed by music will be held on Friday evening. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Christ the King Roman Catholic Church with Father Gary MacPherson presiding. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Donations may be made in Gert’s memory to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or Canadian Cancer Society.