Gertrude Elizabeth Sassard (Watkins)

Gertrude Elizabeth Sassard of Charleston, SC, passed on Monday, January 20, 2014, in Mount Pleasant. She was born on Sunday, September 19, 1926, in Charleston, SC, to the late Andrew Watkins and Alemena Rodgers Watkins. Gertrude was the heart and soul of Mrs. Sassard's Homemade Artichoke Relish and other delicious gourmet products. She was a long-time member of St. Andrew's Church, where she served on the vestry, altar guild and was a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King. She was a member and president of Zonta (a women's business advocate group). Gertrude was PTA President of Mt. Pleasant Academy and served as a leader of the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, training many of the youths of Mt. Pleasant. She was an avid bridge player, talented cook and cake decorator. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, DuPre Sassard and six brothers and sisters. Gertrude is survived by a daughter, Edna McAdams (Bruce) of Mt. Pleasant, SC and three sons: Nelson Sassard (Amy) of Dallas, GA; Ronald Sassard (Jacky) of Charleston, SC; and Allen Sassard (Dayna) of Mt. Pleasant, SC. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Michael Ragon, Erin Martyn, Christopher Ragon, Andrea Sassard, Emily Sassard, Matthew Sassard, Ryan Sassard, Kristi Flowers, Nelson Sassard, Jordan Sassard, and Justin Sassard; three great-grandchildren: Trent, Tucker, and Eleanor; one niece, Cecilia King of Norfolk, VA and one nephew, Robert Burdell of Johns Island, SC. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 24, 2014, from 6PM to 8PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's Church, 440 Whilden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 on Saturday, January 25, 2014, at 2PM. A reception will follow the service in Sam’s Hall at St. Andrew’s Church. Burial will be after the reception in the Christ Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew's Church, 440 Whidden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, MT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1520 RIFLE RANGE RD., MT PLEASANT, SC (843) 884-3833.

Visitation:
Friday, January 24, 2014