1928 – 2017

PORTLAND — Gertrude Landry Mynahan, known by many friends and family as “Grammy,” passed away Saturday, Jan. 7, following a graceful, dignified fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

Gertrude was born to Antoine and Adrienne Chenard Landry in Lewiston on May 16, 1928. She and her six brothers and sisters were raised on the City Farm, where her father served as superintendent. She was educated in local schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1946. Following her graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper at the Hill Division of the Bates Mill.

On Sept. 22, 1951, she married the love of her life, Bernard “Bunny” Mynahan. Together, they raised five girls and took great pride in their children’s educational and professional achievements. Once her youngest daughter reached school age, Gertrude began working in the local school lunch program, eventually becoming the manager at McMahon Elementary School. In her late 50s, she left school lunch to become the sanitarian for the city of Lewiston and retired from the city in her mid 60s.

A lifelong parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church, her devotion to faith and church was manifested in her service as president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store, her service as president of the Rosary Sodality, and her participation in the St. Patrick’s Church Choir.

Following her retirement, she continued her tireless commitment to those most in need. Gertrude was a primary champion of incorporating newly immigrated members of the Lewiston community into the local fabric.

For the past two years, Gertrude resided at Fallbrook Woods, a memory care facility in Portland. There she continued her relentless pursuit of happiness and kindness. Known to residents and staff as “Gertie,” she loved to participate in all activities, especially those involving dancing and singing. The staff will tell you that Gertie kept them busy but always had a kind word to say or a smile to share. Her greatest joys involved spending time with family and friends. She loved going up to camp, family celebrations, cooking for the holidays, and baking for her family and friends. She will be remembered for her limitless kindness and her joie de vivre.

Gertrude is survived by her five daughters, Catherine Folan and her husband, John, of Yarmouth, Bernadette Flynn of Saco, Mary (Mame) Bonneau and her husband, Mike, of Lewiston, Patricia Mendelson of historic Bath, and Dorothy Mynahan of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; her eight grandchildren, Katie Leahy and her husband, Bill, of Lutz, Fla., Brian Folan and wife, Stephanie, of Coral Springs, Fla., Ellen Folan and husband, Anthony Peros, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ben Mendelson of Manhattan, N.Y., Adrienne Mendelson of Ipswich, Mass., Chloe Mendelson of Temple, Texas, Joe Bonneau of Everett, Mass., and Conor Flynn of Gainesville, Fla.; and her six great-grandchildren, Sophia, Aidan, William, Caroline, Emilie and Blair. She is also survived by her sister, Lorraine Comeau.

Gertrude was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Bernard “Bunny” Mynahan; her parents, Antoine and Adrienne Landry; her sisters, Merita J. Fournier, Dorothy F. Latarche, Martha Roux Friedman; and her brothers, Louis de Gonzague Landry and René Landry.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Fallbrook Woods for their love and care of Gertie. Condolences, donations and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.