Gertrude Alwine (Kober) Casagrande

Gertrude Alwine Casagrande, of Easthampton MA passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at the age of 96. Born Nov 23 1925 to the late Heinrich and Gertrud (Finkle) Kober in Gladbeck Germany, Gertrude had a sense of adventure and spirit from the beginning. While applying for her driver’s license shortly after the conclusion (END) of WWII, Gertrude met the love of her life Robert Casagrande who was an American soldier working at the registry. They were married on September 14, 1948 and arrived in the United States by steamship in December of that same year. They eventually bought a home situated between Center and Pepin schools in Easthampton where she resided for the next 72 years.

Gertrude was a devout Catholic and followed in her mother’s footsteps in caring for the Priests of Holy Name Parish, namely Father Flahive. Gertrude was known for her tender care and love to all who visited the rectory. Around the holidays, the smells of baking wafted about the buildings as Gerti was busy making her infamous Gingerbread houses.

To know Gertrude is to love her. Her stoicism was admirable and her love contagious. A caretaker until the end. Gertrude could tell stories of love, loss, bravery, and charity. Gertrude knew how to listen and always saw the best in people. Her legacy will continue to inspire us to lead with love, kindness and a plate of Chicken & Wine. Gertrude is predeceased by her husband Robert Casagrande, her brothers Bertram, Karl-Heinz, and Bernhard “Berni” Kober and niece Deborah Kober. Her sons, Robert (Bobby) and Steven (Stevie), 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild and many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

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