Gertrude Bordley (Stevens)

Gertrude P. Bordley, gained her heavenly wings, surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at the age of 100. She was born on April 27, 1918 to the late Edward and Caddy Stevens of Parkers Chapel, Marydel, Delaware. She attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar Elementary School in Camden-Wyoming, Delaware and Booker T. Washington School in Dover, Delaware. On September 21, 1933, Gertrude married the late Elder Fred Bordley, and they were married for over 50 years. From this union, they were blessed with ten children. She served as a cook for the Holy Cross Catholic Rectory of Dover, Delaware for a number of years. She was also employed as a Foster Grandparent in the Caesar Rodney and Capital School Districts where she provided nurturing for many students for over 20 years. Later, she was made an “honorary member” of the Foster Grandparents Program. She was a member of M. F. Chase Unity Memorial Church where she was a licensed Missionary and served as President of the Missionary Board. She was also an honorary member of the Senior Choir, Mother of the church, and former First Lady. Gertrude had a passion for cooking, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was affectionately known as “Mom Mom” by her grandchildren and “Nana” by her great and great-great grandchildren. In addition to Gertrude’s parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers and four sisters; her children, James Oley, Charles Edward, Dorothy B. Moore, Beatrice Tolson, John Bordley; and a grandson, William E. Bordley, Esquire. She leaves to cherish her memories two sons, William Bordley, (Lillian) Wyoming, DE; David Bordley, (Linda) Dover, DE; three daughters, Anna Quail, with whom she lived, Dover, DE; Doris Watson, (Herb) Hockessin, DE; and Helen Scott, Dover, DE; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition, the following people had a special place in her heart: Shirley Pettyjohn who provided her with her “special” lotion when her health began to fail, Joan Cronis and Dana Sharpe who took her out to lunch for her birthday every year since they worked together in the Foster Grandparent Program, and Dr. Jack Milligan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: M. F. Chase Unity Memorial Church, 16 Vanessa Drive, Dover, Delaware 19901.

Gertrude Bordley (Stevens)

April 27, 1918 - January 20, 2019