Obituary of Gertrude M. Bales

Gertrude M. “Trudy” (Archer) Bales, M.D. It is with much sadness and thanksgiving that we announce the death of Gertrude M. Archer Bales, M.D. affectionately know as “Trudy” on May 18, 2014. Gertrude was born February 16, 1926 in Greensboro, NC to David Ross Archer and Jennie Lee Hunter. Youngest of 4 children, Trudy was raised with 2 older brothers Richard & Phillip and sister Rachel (Murray) Stilwell. At an young age Gertrude was introduced to the healthcare, aiding people, and leadership through her own life experiences-as early as grammars school Gertrude held office as student council secretary in 2nd grade. She graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, BA Chemistry, 1948, Phi Beta Kappa cum laude; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, certificate of Medicine, 1950; University of Rochester School Medicine School, Medicine, 1952. She completed her ear, nose, & throat internship/residency training at the U of R Strong Memorial Hospital by 1956. Starting in 1956 Trudy became the first fulltime female faculty member of the Otolaryngology department at Strong Memorial hospital. She received board certification-diplomat American board of otolaryngology head & neck surgery in 1961. Trudy obtained the position of Chief of Otolaryngology at Highland Hospital in 1968. She was elected to the U of R Board of Trustees Council in 1982 serving as an active member for several years including the roles of Vice-President in 1986-1987 and President in 1987-1988, remaining on the council well beyond in various roles. She was a founding-lifelong and first women member of the George Hoyt Whipple Society and former President of the Medical Alumni Council and public relation standing committee. Trudy also held a private ENT practice at Highland hospital for over 20 years. While at the U of R attending medical school, Trudy meet and fell in love with one of her classmates from Oswego, NY. Their courtship was the talk of the school and on August 15, 1952 Gertrude married Dr. Harold W. “Hal” Bales, in Rochester, NY. Here they raised two daughters Laura and Sue. Trudy was recognized in many ways she is listed in the Who’s Who in American Women publication, beginning 7th edition notable Americans in bicentennial year; received numerous tennis championships during high school, college, medical school, and beyond, including several women’s singles and doubles city championships in Rochester, NY; she held many positions throughout her carrier at Strong Memorial hospital, Highland hospital, VA Medical centers in Batavia, NY, Bath, NY, and Canandaigua, NY; was a faculty member, instructor, and professor at Strong Memorial Hospital; was active in alumni and University affairs; and has participated in multiple committees, planning boards, memberships, and organizations. She also contributed towards many research and publication papers. Trudy last worked at the Canandaigua Veterans Administration Medical Center starting in 1984. There she held various positions within the hospital, including associate chief of staff for ambulatory care, assistant and acting Medical Chief of Staff, until her retirement in 1996. Trudy had many interests outside of the medical field including skiing where she and her family became charter members of Hunt Hollow Ski Club in Naples, NY. She was also an active member at the club serving on several committees including the board of directors where she was elected and served as President of the club in 1977-1978. Trudy also enjoyed tennis, golfing (hole in one at Locust Hill Country Club at the age of 70), and many other sports. Trudy loved to create and work with her hands including building a boat, planning and building a vacation home, doing home repairs, working with Habitat for Humanity, creating stained glass pieces and traveling. In her retirement, Trudy moved to Cloverwood Senior Living in Pittsford, NY, where she met many wonderful people and participated in garden, yoga, drawing/painting, and dinning clubs, she even found time to carve a 5 ft tall totem pole at the age of 85. She is survived by daughters, Laura (Bales) Barrows and Paul D. of Honeoye Falls, NY, and Susan Bales Anderson of Jonestown, TX; brother in-law Dr. Charles (Betterly) Bales of Erie, PA; grandchild Preston J. Barrows of Madison, WI; also several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her parents, husband, and siblings. During her life, Gertrude was a pioneer, a wife, a mother, accomplished many things, opened many doors, and touched a lot of people; she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A service of remembrance will be held Saturday June 7th at 1:00 PM at the Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610 (Click for a Map) followed by a reception. Home Rochester, New York Birthplace Greensboro, NC Donations In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to URMC School of Medicine & Dentistry Alumni 300 East River Road P.O. Box 278996 Rochester, NY 14627-8996 Link to Donate Online