Gertrude Buikema

Gertrude Marion Buikema, age 97, a woman of intelligence, endurance, and family loyalty, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024.

“Gert” was born on March 26, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Robert Sr. and Angeline (Slater) Buikema. She graduated from Chicago Christian High School, and worked for The American Bar Association Journal for many years, making her daily commute by car into downtown Chicago. Working for the magazine offered Gert many opportunities to travel, Hawaii being among her many destinations. She visited Portugal when her niece lived there and toured Spain as well. Gertrude was the last surviving member of Fidelis, a group of 15 high school friends who stayed in touch their entire lives, and often met up with the gals in Florida each winter. She was a long-time member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church and current member of Orland Park CRC.

Gertrude enjoyed several cruises in her lifetime, some with family members to celebrate milestone life events. She lived with and cared for her parents, “Ang” and “Bob", and vacationed with them annually in their Florida condo in Pompano Beach. She was a caring and fun-loving aunt, friend, and longtime resident of Victorian Village Inn, where staff would spend time chatting with her as she kept her intellect alive reading books, doing crossword puzzles, and sharing life stories. Gertrude retained a long friendship with her aide, Romanda Moore, who she considered “family,” and was especially bonded to her niece, the Providence hospice team Nurse Practitioner, Michelle Buikema, who made her homemade food and other delicacies on a regular basis, and was her bedside companion in her final days.

Gertrude is preceded in death by her parents Robert Sr. and Angeline, her brothers, William, Robert, and Ronald, and her many lifelong friends and colleagues. She is survived by her beloved sister, Laverne, with whom she chatted daily, and her dear sisters-in-law Gertrude (Werkman) and Ruth (Van Drunen). Gert treasured her beloved nieces and nephews and their spouses, along with their children and grandchildren. To them, she was both aunt and friend. Gert delighted in children and had a way of making each child feel special.

The family will receive visitors for fellowship Saturday, January 27, 2024 beginning at 10:30 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 15525 South 73rd Avenue (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem Ave.), Orland Park, IL 60462, A brief funeral service will take place at the chapel at 11AM, followed by a private burial at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery. A live stream of the service will be available. Please visit Gertrude's obituary at colonialchapel.com to view the live stream of the funeral service. The link is posted below.

Memorials to Providence Hospice, 18601 North Creek Drive, Suite A, Tinley Park, IL 60477 CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE DONATION are suggested.

Below is a photo tribute celebrating Gertrude's life.



Below is the live-stream link to Gertrude's Funeral Service on January 27, 2024 at 11:00AM


Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400