Gertrude Williams Burrell

Gertrude Williams Burrell, 91, of Hamden, passed away peacefully at her home on February 22, 2026 with her children by her side. She was born in New Haven, CT on June 17, 1934 to the late Reverend George and Emma Hart Williams, Sr. She was married to Samuel A. Burrell, Jr. for 66 years, before his passing four years ago. She blessed the lives of her three children, Evelyn Fay (Don), Samuel Abbott, III, and Scott (Jeane’), who never stopped calling her “Mommy.” She loved being “Grandma” to her four grandchildren, Aaron, Alycia, Coakley and Cora. Gertrude was one of ten children: Gladys Hobson, Geneva Senior, Geraldine White, Grover and the late Grace Wormley, George, Gilbert, Gerald and Gloria Robinson.

Gert was the number one fan of her children, whether they were playing a sport or coaching a team. In the fall, you could find her bundled up on the side of a field or courtside during basketball season. In the offseason, she was a homebody who loved family time and adopting dogs brought to her by all children. In the privacy and comfort of her home, Gert loved to sing songs and created her vibrant style of karaoke long before it became en vogue. She also liked to tell funny stories about her children, grandchildren, and her childhood. One little-known fact about Gert is that the way to her heart was through gummy bears and jellybeans. Gert was an excellent athlete herself, excelling in softball. The softball field is where she met the love of her life. Amongst many other activities Gert and Sam enjoyed together, traveling was one of their favorites.

Before receiving her BA from Southern CT State University, Gert graduated from the Waterbury School of Nursing. She served as a registered nurse in St. Raphael’s Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, Arden House, and Whitney Manor for decades. She concluded her career at Eli Whitney Technical School, where she trained nurses in the LPN and CAN program, and was also where she met her best friend, Millie. Her nursing colleagues and friends fondly called her Trudy.

The formidable woman known lovingly as Gertrude, Gert, Trudy, Grandma, and Mommy will be missed by her family and friends. Her love, laughter, and life will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the following for all the care and support they provided in Mom’s later years: Joel Paul – Amity Physical Therapy, Dr. Iwona Lacka, Nurse Siobhan, Nurse Eileen – Home Medical Team, Esther, Krysi and Eva – Caregivers, Yale New Haven-St. Raphael’s Hospital Staff, Visiting Angels, Home Care Associates, and CT Hospice.

Friends are invited to visit with her family on Tuesday, March 3^rd from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Her Funeral will continue in Olivet Baptist Church, 3762 Whitney Ave., Hamden followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. To send a condolence to her family, please see www.beecherandbennett.com.