CASCO — Gertrude Forbes Perkins, 94, of Casco, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2014.

She was born on Aug. 15, 1919, in Nairn, Scotland to Isabella (Forbes) and Walter Pierce. The family came to Portland on Oct. 7, 1919, where her father's family lived.

Gertrude attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School in 1936. While in school, she was a member of the glee club, debating team and was in the Senior Class play. She attended the Chestnut Street Methodist Church where she was a member of the youth choir, Epworth League and Camp Fire Girls and played on the church basketball team.

She married Harvey E. Buzzell Sr. in December 1936. They had three children — Harvey Jr., Carolyn and David. After their divorce, Gertrude was employed at the South Portland Shipyard as a tacker/welder on Liberty ships.

In June 1944, she married Charles (Perk) Perkins. From this marriage, there were two children, Janice and Charles W. While Perk was in the service, they lived in Redbank Village in South Portland, where Gertrude was involved in the Community Church, the Tenants Council and the Well Baby Clinic.

After the war, they moved to their new home at 21 Stanley Street, South Portland. She was a member of the Peoples Methodist Church, the Women in Community Service W.I.C.S. and was a Brownie leader. In addition, she was involved in PTA Band Mothers in elementary-middle school and high school.

In 1964, the family moved to San Jose, Calif., where she was a member of the Alum Rock United Methodist Church. There she served in several offices and was also a member of the W.I.C.S./U.M.W. She served several years with this group including two years as president. She became a volunteer with Women in Community Service (a nonprofit organization) recruiting young people for training in the Job Corps program. She later became a full-time salaried staff person. She worked with W.I.C.S. for over 20 years retiring in 1988.

She was also a member of the Church Women United where she served as secretary for the San Jose District U.M.W. She also served as treasurer and president for the San Jose Chapter of AARP.

In 2002, Gertrude returned to Maine and became a member of the Naples United Methodist Church. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, which operated in the church building until 2013.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Charles L. Perkins (1986); her daughter, Carolyn Buzzell (1943); her son, David Buzzell (2003); and her brother, Walter Pierce Jr. (1944).

She is survived by two sons, Harvey E. Buzzell Jr. of Casco and Charles W. Perkins of Boston, Mass.; daughter, Janice Wedge of Rio Del, Calif.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Gertrude will be cremated and laid to rest with her son, daughter and brother in Forest City Cemetery in South Portland. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, at the Naples United Methodist Church of Good Fellowship. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Naples United Methodist Church, 1000 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, ME 04055 or Alum Rock United Methodist Church, 30 Kirk Ave., San Jose, CA 95127.