Gertrude Sargent

Gertrude Estelle Coles Sargent, who was lovingly called “Fanny" by her family and friends, took her eternal rest May 1, 2024. She was born October 15, 1925 in New Haven, Connecticut to the late Florence Olivia Williams of New Haven and Edward Coles of New London CT. Fanny grew up in New Haven and attended Commercial High School until she left in 10th grade and went to work to help support her family. In 1954 Fanny married Albert Sargent and later gave birth to three children: Stephanie, Albert, and Veronica. She had been a faithful member of St. Martin de Porres church for 74yrs. She worked for Majestic Laundry, AC Gilberts and then retired from Yale University with over 20yrs of service and an honorary degree from Berkeley College. Family was important to our mom, and she was a very loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Fanny demonstrated the love that she had for family in many ways. For years after church on Sunday’s, Fanny would cook breakfast for numerous family members and friends as a way of demonstrating her love and to keep family connected. Fanny was a humanitarian in her own right and lent a hand to anyone in need. She fed anyone who was hungry, gave clothes to those in need and visited those confined at home or the hospital. Her children and those in the neighborhood also benefited from her benevolence. On hot summer days neighborhood kids enjoyed her yard and jumped through the sprinklers she’d turn on so that they could get cool, join her for walks downtown to the Green to have an outing of juice, sandwiches and snacks and she was always ready to teach anyone how to ride a bike. Fanny was an avid reader and a skilled crocheter, who was known for her hand towels and toilet paper doll covers. And if you had a minute, she would teach you the chain stitch; she taught all her grandkids how to crochet. Mom was also very handy and would fix or restore anything rather than replace it. With her son Bubba by her side, she would rewire lamps, replace tv tubes, paint and rearrange furniture. After her project was completed and she was pleased with her work, she would say; “It’s good enough! “ Because Fanny grew up during the depression, and understood lack, she made sure her children, and grandchildren were never without a gift for their birthday or on Christmas. She often extended this generosity to her nieces, nephews, cousins, and neighbors who she felt needed a smile. Mom’s favorite teaching was: “You know when Christmas or a birthday is coming, so buy 1 item in advance so that you have something to give just in case an unexpected situation occurs that may cause you to not have enough money to buy anything.” And she would end that lesson by pointing her finger and saying: “Don’t wait till last minute.” Everyone who knew her would say she had a big heart and love for all. It was rare for her to utter a negative word but sometimes you may have heard her say “You darn Fool!” Left to cherish her memory: Daughter Stephanie Sargent of New Haven, CT, Son Albert Sargent (Zoraida) of Jewitt City CT, Daughter Veronica Kinsler (Jared) of Meriden CT and stepson Gregory Goode (Jo) of New London, CT, Sister Harriet Douglass of New Haven, CT, 10 grandkids and 8 great grands along with a host of nieces and nephews. Also Dear to her heart: Olivia Canady (Ny, Ny) & Debra Sargent of Gales Ferry, CT. Predeceased by: Husband Albert Sargent, Brothers Edward, Walter and Leonard Coles, granddaughter Cyndia Sargent and great grandson Greyson Sargent

Gertrude Sargent

October 15, 1925 - May 1, 2024