Obituary : Gerda V. Canha
Gerda Viola Canha of Vineyard Haven died at home on Friday, Oct. 10, after a long illness with her family by her side. She died just shy of 92 years of age.
Gerda was the second oldest child of 10 children born to Sven John Alfred Lind and Elina (Nelson) Lind, two Swedish immigrants. She was born on October 29, 1916 in Rockport and was raised in Maine.
Gerda moved to Edgartown in the 1940s and worked as a maid for several residences. In 1969, She married Domingo "Micky" Canha, who predeceased her in November of 1991.
Gerda was a dedicated and hard worker. To help support her family she always worked multiple jobs. She was a local figure while working at the ArtCliff Diner, was employed as a domestic aide and assistant to Molly McAlpin of West Chop for 15 years, and as a home health aide for the Visiting Nurses Services under Martha's Vineyard Community Services.
Gerda enjoyed knitting, sewing, cooking, gardening, and time spent with family and friends. She had a ready smile for everyone and was known for her easy-going manner, sense of humor, and giggle.
Gerda is survived by her four daughters, Ruth Peterson of Maine, Linda BenDavid and her husband Eddie of Oak Bluffs, Ellen Michael and her husband Brian of Fairhaven, and Rosemarie Roberts of Vineyard Haven; 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two step-sons, Domingo Canha and his wife Brenda of Oak Bluffs, and Joseph and his wife Sue of Vineyard Haven, their children, and grandchildren; two surviving sisters, Ann Luer and Ruth A. Shaw, as well as dear family friend Hank Sjostrom of Oak Bluffs. She will also be missed by her cats and dog.
Her graveside service for the burial of her cremains will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 am in the New Westside Cemetery located on Robinson Road in Edgartown officiated by the Rev. Roger Spinney.
Donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557; the Island Senior Day Program, P.O. Box 1295, Edgartown, MA 02539, or the Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 2568 Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, located on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.
