Gertrude Cooper Lathrop-Longtime resident of Keasbey (Woodbridge Township), NJ passed away on July 7,2019.

Gertrude was raised in Carteret, NJ by her late parents, William and Martha Cooper. Gert, as she was known by her family & friends, graduated from Carteret High School in 1967 and briefly attended Douglass College. Two of her favorite jobs were both Carteret related. She spent some time clerking at Carteret Public Library. Gert was a voracious reader and was a natural for this work. The position that gave her the most pride was her time spent in the warehouse at Hermann's Sporting Goods. It was here that her peers thought so much of her that they voted Gert their shop steward. She represented her union co-workers and acted on their behalf for many years.

Gert moved to Woodbridge in the mid 1970's and lived there till around 1990. In October 1991 Gert married the love of her life, former United States Marine John Lathrop Jr. who also grew up in Carteret. Once their paths finally crossed they had a wonderful relationship and marriage, living in Keasbey. Sadly John left us too soon passing in August of 2006 leaving Gert to live out her retirement as a widow until she passed on July 7.

Throughout her life Gert maintained her love of not only reading but writing poetry & listening to music. Just some of her favorite musicians included Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, B.B King & Aretha Franklin. She also loved going to concerts, plays and was known to show up at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge. On occasion she would read some of her poetry while supporting her fellow artists.

She leaves behind her sister, Margaret Beck, in Johnson City, TN; and brothers William Cooper in Woodbridge, NJ, Patrick Cooper in Lakewood, NJ and John J. Cooper in North Brunswick, NJ. In addition, she had many nephews, nieces, cousins & in-laws in both New Jersey & Tennessee. She also had many friends, perhaps more than she realized, who truly cared for her. A free spirit till the end she will be greatly missed by those who knew her well.

A very informal memorial for Gert is planned for Saturday September 14 at the K of C in Woodbridge from 4pm to 8pm. The building is located 130 Main Street on the corner of Main and Route 35 (aka Amboy Avenue). Friends of Gert and her family are encouraged to attend and celebrate her life rather then mourn her passing.