A MUCH-LOVED mother, grandmother and great-grandmother has died at the age of 101.

Born in Christchurch, Gertie Hardy’s family moved to Parkstone when her father passed away. She enjoyed playing with her five brothers and, with their help, became adept at climbing trees; a skill she still displayed at the age of 30.

Gertie went to Heatherlands School in Parkstone. Many years later she recalled how her teacher would go to a cupboard and bring out a doll so the children could learn how to bath a baby.

At 14, Gertie went into service, working for an employer with two homes; Delphi Cottage in Lower Parkstone, and another in Lennox Gardens near Harrods in London.

She remembered being escorted, on one foggy evening, back to her accommodation by the lamplighter, carrying a beacon on a pole.

Gertie was often sent to Harrods to buy replacement plates for the dinner service or vegetables for the cook. Her employers were very kind and when Gertie became ill with Tuberculosis she returned to Parkstone to enjoy the sea air while convalescing.

When Gertie was 22 she married Frank Miller who was a chauffeur gardener. They had a bungalow in Hunt Road, where their son John was born.

Gertie brought John up alone for six years while Frank was serving in the war. Later, after John’s safe return, the couple enjoyed lovely holidays in France, Germany, Switzerland and Holland, taking great pleasure from outings and picnics with their grandchildren in the New Forest.

Gertie was always happy to receive her four great-grandchildren and hear their news.

In 1985 Frank died but Gertie stayed in the bungalow she loved, reading and completing crosswords until the age of 96.

After breaking her hip, Delapré in Poole became her new home and Gertie appreciated the wonderful care she received from the dedicated staff.

She celebrated her 100th birthday at the care home, surrounded by her family, receiving a card from the Queen as well as a congratulations telegram from Iain Duncan Smith.

Gertie’s funeral service was held at Poole Crematorium on November 2.