Hunter, Gertrude Mae Peacefully, at the Ottawa Heart Institute, on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, Gertrude Mae Hunter (nee Rice) in her ninety-third year. Born in Jasper, Ontario on May 2, 1919, Gertrude was the beloved youngest daughter of the late Alex and Mae (nee Armstrong) Rice who predeceased her in 1971 and 1976 respectfully. Married on September 10, 1941, Gertrude was the devoted and cherished wife of Gordon Condie Hunter who passed away in May 1983. Gertrude was predeceased by her sister Loreen Elizabeth Hawley of Kilmarnock in December, 1993 and three brothers-in-law: Lavurn Hawley in August, 1996, John K. Hunter in January, 2004, and Donald A. Hunter in July, 2004. Gertrude was the respected, devoted and cherished mother of two sons: Arden who resides in Perth and Perry of Smiths Falls. She will be sorely missed by sisters-in-law Margaret and Lois Hunter, fondly remembered as "Aunt Gertie" to several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, warmly regarded by several cousins and treasured forever by many good friends. Sincere appreciation is extended to the dedicated health care professionals at the Ottawa Heart Institute especially Dr. Michael Hartwick, Dr. John Scott and Jenny Lavoie of the palliative care team, Dr. Kathryn Ascah and Dr. Kwan Chan of the cardiology team, Eileen Frattini (Clinical Manager on H5), the caring and knowledgeable nurses in CCU and H5 especially Selva, to Chaplain Kathryn Howe for her compassion, and to Joan who was a "ray of sunshine" with a bounce in her step, a smile on her face, a tune in her mind and a friendly wave. Each of these individuals are a credit to their profession. Without a doubt, the nurses from the local nursing organizations such as Bayshore and Saint Elizabeth and the Red Cross personal support workers in the Smiths Falls area need to be commended for their skill and compassionate care. In her final weeks, mother was also very fortunate to be blessed with the love of Georgia Allan and Anita Hunter. Relatives and friends will be received at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 112 Beckwith St. N., Smiths Falls on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and again on Wednesday, October 26 from 12:30 p.m. until time of service. A celebration of Gertrude's life will be held on Wednesday, October 26, at the Blair & Son Funeral Home (Smiths Falls Chapel) commencing at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Peter Woods officiating. Following the service, interment will take place at Maple Vale Cemetery, Smiths Falls. For those wishing, donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute, Maple Vale Cemetery Association, or Trinity United Church would be gratefully acknowledged. "A mother's love is a gift so rare, a priceless treasure, worth much more than gold."