Rev. Gertrude Mae Rennick

May 25, 1927 - February 12, 2021
Rev. Gertrude Mae Rennick

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Gertrude Mae Rennick age 93 of Wilmington passed away Friday, February 12, 2021.

She was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 25, 1927 the daughter of  Cmdr.  George Walter Galyean and Elsie Pearl Chalker Galyean.

Gertrude is survived by two sons, Richard Henry Rennick, Jr. of Rural Hall, NC and Scott Walter Rennick and wife Susan Rennick of Wadsworth, OH; one sister, Joan Galyean Markwith. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Henry Rennick, Sr., brothers, John, George, Edward and Charles; and sisters, Elsie Pearle Gaylean Casino and Mary Ann Galyean.

Gertrude was a Veteran of the US Marine Corps serving during the Korea War based at Camp LeJeune, NC.  Her education included Glassboro State Teachers College-Elementary Ed, Akron University- BS Elementary Ed/Special Ed/Reading Specialist, Kent State University-Rehab Counseling/Vocational Evaluation and Administration, Barton College-Religious Studies, Duke Divinity School-Theology and New Hanover Regional Medical Center-Clinical Pastoral Education. She was ordained at the First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ Wilmington in March of 2006.

Her work experience included, Sts. Peter and Paul School in Doylestown, OH-1955-1969; Portage Lake Career Center from 1969 to 1994 as a Reading Specialist, History teacher, Adult Ed-ABE Co-Ordinator and Vocational Evaluator; Chaplin at NHRMC and Vocational Evaluator at Wilmington Coastal Enterprises.

Her associations included Akron OH Lions Club and Akron Suicide Prevention HotLine for 5 years;  Past President of Kapa Kapa  Iota National Honor Teachers Sorority; Lifetime member of Womens Marine Assoc.; Salvation Army Chaplin-18 years; NEA South Summit Uniserv Council; Vice-Pres ACLD, and ABE Reading specialist. Her honors included Outstanding Teacher at Portage Lakes Career Center in 1990, MEO/SERRC Outstanding Educator in 1994, Kent State program presenter in 1993, and the Ohio Assoc. for Adult and Continuing Education-Outstanding Administrator in 1992.

A Celebration of Life Virtual service will be held at The First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ in Wilmington at a later date.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403  910-791-9099


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  • February 17, 2021
    Ricky Meeks lit a candle:
    Lit since February 17, 2021 at 2:02:36 PM

  • February 17, 2021
    Nancye Gurganus says:
    Ms. Trudy, was a light in this world. She visited our hair salon and she graced us with a special presence each time she came to see us. She will be missed.

  • February 18, 2021
    Lt. Colonel Shirley Anderson lit a candle:
    Lit since February 18, 2021 at 2:43:42 PM

  • February 18, 2021
    Lt.-Colonel Angie Hofman says:
    It was a joy to know Trudy and to serve with her as a member of The Salvation Army's Women's Auxiliary. Her devotional moments were treasures and memorable and we were blessed time and again as we gathered to continue the ministry of the Auxiliary in Wilmington. Trudy's quiet manner and sense of devotion to all was a blessing to all of us who were her co-workers and friends.

  • February 20, 2021
    Pam Spencer says:
    It was a privilege to serve along side Ms. Trude with the SAWA. I enjoyed her laughter and her smile would light up the room. Heaven has 1 more beautiful soul!