Submitted by: Dan Rich

Gertrude Coleman

Dec. 16, 1929 - March 27, 2002

South Bend Tribune 4/3/2002

Mrs. Gertrude Coleman, 72, beloved mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother of West Sibley Street, passed away after an extended illness at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, in her home. She was born to the union of Mary Ann (Bates) and Alton Bland in Saxton, Mo., who both preceded her in death.

On April 10, 1960, in South Bend, Ind., she was united in holy matrimony to Joe Coleman, who preceded her in death in 1991. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Julia Mae White; and two brothers, Eugene Bland and Jessie Bland. Coming from Niles, Mich., in 1953, she and her husband moved to South Bend. She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church.

She is survived by a loving daughter, Barbara Merritt of South Bend; two special daughters, Rosalyn Thornton of South Bend and Teresa Gardner of Cleveland, Ohio; four grandchildren, Andre Merritt, Mary "Trudy" Merritt, Everett Merritt, all of South Bend, and Francesca Merritt of Junction City, Kan.; eight great-grandchildren; a special grandchild, Robin Lenori of South Bend; one sister, Alzada Walton of Sagonea, N.C.; one brother, Robert Bland of South Bend; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.