Gertrude (Klimek) Thiel, of Bay Head, NJ, recently of North Arlington, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2021 with her loving family by her side. Gertrude was 84 years of age. She was born in Kearny, NJ on September 27, 1937 to Joseph and Emma (Baldessari) Klimek and was raised in East Newark. She was a graduate of Harrison High School and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School. Gertrude lived in North Arlington for over 53 years. She was employed by ADP in Clifton for several years before joining The Port of Authority of New York & New Jersey as an administrative assistant, and from where she retired 18 years ago. For several years, Gertrude had volunteered with HANDS of North Arlington. Gert was a member of The Friends of the North Arlington Library, where she volunteered teaching English as a second language. Gert was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling, and time spent on Long Beach Island and in Bay Head with her children and grandchildren. Gertrude was predeceased by her beloved husband of 40 years, Frank Thiel, Jr. She was the devoted mother of Janice (Val) Sturchio, Tracey McEwan, Frank (Angelina) Thiel; cherished grandmother of Paul McEwan, Brian (Oriana) McEwan, Valentina (Edwin) Chudkowski, Jessica Sturchio, Frank Thiel, and Joseph Thiel; and the adored great-grandmother of Mia Chudkowski. Gertrude is also survived by her brother, Richard (Aiko) Klimek, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Gertrude at the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr. Kearny will be Tuesday, November 30 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Queen of Peace Church in No. Arlington on Wednesday at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
