Obituary

It is with great sadness that Gertrude Zoe Bolster (Roach) passed away November 16, 2018 at the age of 94 in Seattle, WA.

Gertrude will be lovingly remembered by her Grandson Jeff McGinnis, wife Gina and Great-Grandchildren Sofia & Jack; and Grandson Todd Colley. Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, James Bolster, and her children Lana McGinnis & Craig Colley. She missed them all terribly and it gives her family great comfort to know she is again with them.

Gertrude loved the arts, especially dance & music. She started ballet as soon as she could walk, spending hours in the dance studio in Bellingham. She was also a talented piano player, with an amazing ability to sit at the piano playing tunes for family and friends to enjoy until her health declined. Gertrude was a pioneer for women, during an era when women didn’t typically work, she owned and operated the Arabesque Dance Shop in Bellingham for many years. Her passionate endeavor was traveling the world with her husband, Jim, during their 31 years together. They enjoyed spending their summers on Sinclair Island in the San Juan Islands in Washington, taking cruises around the world and spending winters at The Mokihana on Kauai, HI. Her favorite times were when the family would come visit her at these beautiful locations. One of her proudest moments was soloing in a small airplane at the age of 70!

She deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had been well known for spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would relish time spent with Jack and Sofia at her home in Bellingham. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.