Obituary of Gertrude J. Hoyt

Gertrude J. Hoyt, 90, of Belvidere, NJ went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 15, 2024 at St Luke’s Warren Hospital.

Gertrude was born in Phillipsburg, NJ on July 28, 1933 to the late John M. and Rose L. Melchor. She was the wife of Earl M. Hoyt for 54 years who preceded her in death April 8, 2007.

Gertrude graduated from Belvidere High School as valedictorian of her class in 1951. She worked alongside her loving husband for 40 years as a bookkeeper for his excavating business. She enjoyed participating in a bowling league for many years where she made lasting friendships. Gertrude had a passion for gardening and spent many tireless hours canning and freezing vegetables and cherries for her family's enjoyment. She was a devoted mother,grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved cooking and baking for her family, church, and community. She was especially well known for her variety of delicious pies. Gertrude always had a smile for everyone and was loved by all who knew her.

She was a woman of great faith and a devoted follower of Christ. Gertrude was a member of the United Presbyterian Church for 48 years where she served as a Deacon and Elder. She was a beautiful example of living out her faith through selflessly loving and serving her family and community.

Gertrude was the treasurer of her high school reunion committee as well as a member of the Belvidere High School Alumni. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Goodwill Fire Company for 50 years, having held offices as president and treasurer. She received a certificate signed by the Governor recognizing her 50 years of service.

She is survived by two sisters, Susan Hoffman and Judy Melchor; four children, Gary and wife Kathleen of Belvidere, Linda and husband Jeffrey of St. Augustine, Florida, Frank of Belvidere, and John of Belvidere; five grandchildren, Steven Strait, Melissa Strait, Ellen Duveneck, Rachel Chiara, and Matthew Hoyt; five great-grandchildren, Luca, Emma, and Gino Chiara, and Lena and Nathan Duveneck; and many nieces and nephews.

Gertrude was predeceased by her sister Rose Marie Garis, brother John M. Melchor Jr., and daughter-in-law Deborah Hoyt.

A visitation of family and friends will be held on Thursday January 25, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at MacFadden Funeral Home in Belvidere, NJ, 325 Hardwick Street, Belvidere NJ, 07823.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday January 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation of family and friends at 10:00 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere, 224 Mansfield Street, Belvidere, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gertrude’s name to the United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere, 224 Mansfield St, Belvidere, NJ 07823; Goodwill Fire Company, 689 Water Street Belvidere, NJ 07823; or the Belvidere Ambulance Corps, 234 Paul Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823.