Gertrude L. Werner

Rensselaer-Gertrude Louise Martyn Werner, 81, passed away on February 21, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her husband, Paul, her children, and other family members. 

Gert was born in Albany in 1943 to James Edward Martyn and Rose Madeline Baxter. Gert was a proud resident of Rensselaer and a graduate of Van Rensselaer High School and Missouri Southern State with a degree in education. 

Gert was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Wade (survived by Nancy), James (survived by MaryAnn), and Michael Martyn, and her sisters Margaret (survived by Lucien) Gerber, Mary (survived by Charles) Diegel, Millicent Legg, and Susan Martyn. Gert cherished her years growing up on First Street with her large family. 

After many years living in the Midwest and raising her family while pursuing a career as a teacher, and eventually principal, Gert returned to Rensselaer. Gert and Paul were high school classmates who serendipitously reconnected at their 30th high school reunion. Gert was happily married to Paul for 31 years. She enthusiastically enjoyed being a member of the Troy YMCA participating in their classes, building new friendships, and volunteering to serve other senior members. She also provided care and comfort to her mother-in-law, Janet Werner, in their home prior to Janet entering a nursing home. Gert consistently lived her life in service to others, most especially children.

Gert is survived by her husband Paul, her children Mel (Susan) Brownsberger, Robert (Katherine) Brownsberger, and Regina (Eric) Sweet. She is also survived by her stepchildren Gerald, Timothy, and Brian Brownsberger; Debra (Dennis) Miller, Judith (Terry) Stanley, Nicky Rohlfing, and Natalie Richmeier. Gert was a loving and devoted grandmother to Katrina (Rudy) Brominguez, Paige, Hannah, Summer, Conrad, and Evan Brownsberger, and Miles Sweet. Gert adored her many siblings and leaves behind her sisters Kathleen (Joseph) LaMountain, Loretta (Stanley) Bruno, and Angela (Steven) Poole. Sharing in our loss are her sister-in-law, Kathleen (David) Vacca, and her brother-in-law, Donald Werner. She will be dearly missed by her many nieces, nephews, friends and family. 

The family would like to thank friends, neighbors, and the health care workers who made her transition peaceful. Special thanks to Gert’s special caregiver, her sister Angel, for always being there for Gert and Paul. 

Funeral services will be held at 6pm on Friday, March 7, 2025, at W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. Friends and relatives are invited to call prior to the service on Friday from 4-6pm. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gert’s name to the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County, 505 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144 or your local Boys and Girls Club, honoring the influence the organization had in shaping the character and success of her brothers and her children.