Gertrude A. Wirscham, (nee-Diedrick), 97, of Elyria passed away Sunday March 1, 2015 at the Elyria Wesleyan Village following a brief illness. She was born April 4, 1917 in Carlisle Township and was a Elyria resident for most of her life. Gertrude was the store manager of The Search in Elyria for many years. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Elyria where she was a leader of many church activities. She was also well known for her service to the poor and homeless. Survivors include her daughters, Margaret (Robert) Quinlan of Williamsburg, VA., Anne (Dennis) Rascov of Pittsburgh, PA., Rita (Thomas) Koberna of North Olmstead and Mary (Ben) Encinias of Blue Ridge, GA.; son, James (Jeannine) Wirscham of Grafton; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Wirscham in 1964, son, Thomas (Sharon) Wirscham in 2010, parents, Carl J. Sr. and Margaret Diedrick, and brothers, Fredrick, Robert, and Carl J. Diedrick Jr.. The family will receive friends Wednesday 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday March 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church 320 Middle Ave., Elyria. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). The Rev. Fr. Charles Diedrick, Gert's nephew will be the Celebrant. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hot Meals Program at St. Mary Church or to Blessing House 5440 Grove Ave. Lorain, OH. 44055. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 10:00 AM Thursday March 5, 2015 St. Mary Catholic Church 320 Middle Ave. Elyria, OH. Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday March 4, 2015 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.