Tribute & Message From The Family

Message From The Family

Thank you for your support during this difficult time. Please enhance this tribute to Gert by adding your memories and photos.

Mrs. Gertrude (Noonan) Hirschfeld, 95, of Melrose passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020 at her home. She is the wife of the late William W. Hirschfeld.
Gert was born January 26, 1925 in Medford, only daughter of the late Thomas P. and Mary E. (Collins) Noonan. She was raised in Medford and graduated from Medford High School and Fisher College in Boston.

Born in the Roaring 20's and growing up during the Depression, Gert was the youngest and always protected by Tom, Bob and Buddy, her three big brothers. She enjoyed dancing, listening to "the ballgame" on radio and horseback riding. These skills came in handy as a one-woman fan club attending recitals, countless sporting events and raising a large herd.

During World War II, Gert was employed by the B&M Railroad. The Greatest Generation is known for quiet humility and she was no exception. She waited and prayed through more than a thousand days of active combat, until her brothers returned home safely to build careers and families.

From WWII to WWW, her life was filled with people. Ever-present kindness and unconditional love welcomed people from a range of ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds into her family. What started as a dinner for two in 1947 became "let's try to keep it less than 50" for holiday meals at her home.

Many recall the social protests and political turmoil of 1968, but Gert had an additional tragedy that November after her husband's car accident. In a week, the love of her life was gone and she was alone with no license, no job and ten children.

As a long time parishioner at Incarnation Church, strong faith sustained her remarkable love and loyalty to family.

Gradually, peeks of sunshine returned because Gert never met a beach she didn't like. Before the days of online booking, she 'volunteered' to help her travel agent friend Nicky Hamel tour many tropical islands, made dozens of trips to Florida with family, Nahant days with Gert McGinty and especially liked her driveway resort of two chairs facing the sun with good friend Peg Leahy.

At age 57, when most people consider retirement, Gert began a 35-year career with Dr. Maury Goldman until finally retiring at age 92 (not a typo). She liked people more than money and especially loved getting know the patients and their families. None are really sure how she remembered all the details, but her sincere concern for others had no limits.

She is survived by all ten of her children Nancy Donovan and her husband Richard of Melrose, Michael Hirschfeld and his wife Patricia of Wilmington, Jane Di Mambro and her husband Louis of Salem, Mark Hirschfeld of Melrose, Thomas Hirschfeld and his wife Cecily of Winchester, Peter Hirschfeld and his wife Joanne of Norwood, Joseph Hirschfeld and his wife Elizabeth of Hampstead, Jean De Young and her husband James of Melrose, William Hirschfeld and his wife Joy of Melrose and Paul Hirschfeld and his wife Shari of Medfield. She is also survived by twenty-four grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, and is further survived by several nieces and nephews.

Graveside committal service and interment was already held at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In the future, a Funeral Mass will be scheduled at Incarnation Church. In lieu of Memorial contributions, please take special care of the health of family and loved ones, as an acknowledgment of the good she brought to this world. Please feel free to send a note to family members, drop a card at the funeral home or send a message of online condolence.

Condolence & Memory Journal

So saddened to hear about your Mom's passing. She was a terrific lady. Hopefully there was no suffering. I am so sorry. Jane

Posted by Jane (Fowler) Zanni - Palm Harbor, FL - Family June 06, 2020

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hirschfeld and Noonan families. Gert and my father Bill were cousins, lifelong friends, and proud members of Medford High's Class of 42. They also shared a terrific sense of humor. I have fond memories of visits to the Hirschfeld's, particularly at the holidays, and Gert attending many of our family celebrations including my wedding in Chicago in 1999, along with Lucille Noonan. A warm, caring individual who took great interest in others. A positive light and role model for all of us. She will be deeply missed. Peace.

Posted by Bob Murphy - Mountain View, CA May 19, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hirschfeld Family . She was a shining light . Rest In Peace Gert . She's in good company .

Posted by Kevin Murphy - Seabrook, NH - Family May 18, 2020

I just saw that Gert died in March, 2020. My daughter Kerry and I send many prayers to all of you in such a large family. Your mother/grandmother was a wonderful woman. Gert led your family with her grace, beauty, stamina, style, and sense of humor. It's always difficult to grieve the loss of loved ones, but Gert has gone to a joyous place with God and is now free of pain and suffering. You have my sympathy. Remember all the good times, and I hope that your memories of Gert will bring you peace as you mourn such a great loss.

Peace and Love,
Kerry and Cheryl Butler

Posted by Cheryl Butler - Middleton, MA - Neighbor May 11, 2020

Dear Hirschfeld Family,
I found out today that Gert passed away last month. I want to send you my deepest condolences. I was a patient of Dr. Goldman's for 12 years and always enjoyed seeing Gert when I went monthly for my shots. She was always dressed beautifully and always a full face of makeup. I admired that because I too was brought up to always look your best and do your best. I think it keeps you young and my godmother who past use to always tell me it's not how you feel it's how you look that counts! Gert was always so pleasant to me and I miss our chats.
Rest in peace Gert
Your friend,
Leslie D'Avella

Posted by Leslie D'Avella - Saugus, MA - Friend April 28, 2020

Mrs. Hirschfeld was a great lady and raised a great family. She welcomed many to her home on Bellevue Ave and always made them feel at home. God Bless her and the entire Hirschfeld family.

Posted by Kevin Foley - North Andover, MA - Family Friend April 27, 2020

Your Mother was a lovely woman and so kind. May she rest in peace. Respectfully, Sheila Tighe

Posted by Sheila Tighe - Melrose, MA - Acquaintance April 16, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the Hirschfeld family on the passing of their mother/grandmother. My thoughts are with you all. Take care. Lydia

Posted by LYDIA CICCONE - Reading, MA April 10, 2020

Very few people make such a difference as Aunt Gert. Our most sincere sympathies to all, but what a blessing she was to all.

Posted by Bob Noonan - Herndon, VA - Family April 06, 2020

So sorry for the loss of your Mother. She'd always preside over the Hirschfeld cookout

Posted by Jack Gonsalo - Methuen, MA - Family Friend March 26, 2020

So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother.

Posted by Katherine (Femino) Mulligan - Marbllehead, MA - Family March 24, 2020

Our deepest condolences to the entire Hirshfeld family. Matt speaks so highly of your mom and she raised great children. With love,Matt and Gail Bennett

Posted by Matt and Gail Bennett - Woodstock, GA - Family Friend March 23, 2020

What a marvelous person your mother was! Such a lady. Always had a smile and a kind word and so much fun to be with. We are so sorry for your lost. We will miss her too. Sending much love and thinking of al of you. Molly and Tim Dolan

Posted by Molly and Tim Dolan - Tyngsborough, MD - Family Friend March 23, 2020

My Aunt Gert was a wonderful person. She always had smile,enjoyed laughter. One thing for sure, she loved the beach. A long fulfilling life with a beautiful family. RIP Gert.

Posted by Joyce (Hirschfeld) Coe - Malakoff, TX - Family March 23, 2020

So sorry for your loss, Find peace in the many memories of her life well led that you hold in your heart. Stay safe
Paula Beck

Posted by Paula Beck - Peabody, MA - Family Friend March 23, 2020

Nana Gert,

It is with so much love that I say goodbye for now. I am ever so grateful to have had some many late nights with you, filled with stories, little secrets, words of wisdom and laughter - always a good laugh. You are the epitome of strength. You taught me to not let little things get to you, to stand up for myself, to hostess with the absolute most-ess, the importance of a good drink & nibble, and to never, ever let them see you see you sweat. You have been the greatest gift and I have been so lucky. I love you always.

xo

Michelle

Posted by Michelle Hirschfeld - Los Angeles, CA - Grandchild March 23, 2020

So sorry for the passing of gert i remember her every time i went to doctor Goldman s office she will be missed condolences to her family is was a wonderful women

Posted by Kathryn Graham - MELROSE, MA - Friend March 20, 2020