Meet Gerda

Gerda (Bosscher) Walcott was born February 16, 1921 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Peter and Hendrika Bosscher, Gerda will be 96 on Thursday, February 16, 2017. Gerda was her parent's first born child, followed by her brother James and her sister Helen. Both are still living. One of Gerda's grandfathers lived to the age of 96, so she can attribute a part of her long life to good genes!

Her mother immigrated to the United States from Holland in the early 1900's. While attending a Christian High School in Grand Rapids, Gerda met her future husband, Albert Walcott. Albert was born March 8, 1918 and died March 16, 1980.

They were married on Monday, July 13, 1942 in the chapel at Calvin Seminary, a few months after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Albert was in the Army Air Corp at the time. He had just enough time to hurry home after he completed his flight training and marry Gerda before he had to fly his plane to North Africa and take part in the battle against the German Army. Albert and Gerda had 5 children, Mary Ann, Jean, Robert, Richard and Dorothy. Four of the five are currently married.

In the early 1950's they moved to Dearborn, and Albert worked for Chrysler Motors, and was promoted to the position of Personnel Director of Chrysler's Defense Division. Gerda enjoyed sewing, reading, gardening and baking. One of her favorite creations in the kitchen was a Dutch almond pastry called Banket. According to her daughter Jean, Gerda also created a mighty tasty dish of scalloped potatoes with pork chops -- a dish that showed up frequently at family meals. Gerda has passed her cooking and baking skills down to Jean who now does a lot of the cooking and baking!

Gerda also loves traveling to the Rocky Mountains and the Bible book of Romans. An uplifting sample from Romans 5:1-11 begins with, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand."

Gerda and Albert have created quite a heritage. In addition to five children they have 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. One of their grandchildren passed away early in life.

As Gerda’s Birthday approaches, we encourage you to send a Birthday card and celebrate with her! Please contact DCF here to request Gerda's address and send her a birthday wish.

A special thanks to Gerda's daughter, Jean Ebendick, for taking the time to share a little bit of her Mother’s history with her church family. And thanks to Rev. Samuel Laswell, Visitation Pastor, for taking the time to listen, write, and share Gerda's story.