GERMAN, MUNDELL

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Saturday, September 08, 2007 at 05:24:48 :

Marin Independent Journal
Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998
Section B, page 2

GERTRUDE P. GERMAN
Couturier shop owner

Gertrude P. German of Mill Valley, wife of San Francisco Chronicle editor William German, died of ovarian cancer Dec. 26 at her home in Mill Valley. She was 79. Mrs. German, who had a lifelong interest in fashion, will be remembered for her sense of style.

She was born in New York City and learned dressmaking skills and the business of fashion from her parents, who were owners of a coat and fur business.

Mrs. German used those skills to operate Royston/German, a couturier shop in Mill Valley. Mrs. German and her partner, Evelyn Royston, collected fabric on travels in Europe and Asia and created made-to-order garments. The business remained in operation for 10 years.

Mrs. German later became an administrative assistant at the Marin Child Development Center, a school for children with special needs.

She maintained an interest in fashion and her style was reflected in what she wore and how she decorated her home.

Mrs. German was a fan of opera and ballet and loved to dance.

She volunteered her time and energy to organizations that included Traveler’s Aid, the World Affairs Council, the Commonwealth Club of California, Friends of the Mill Valley Library, Amnesty International and Gray Panthers.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, William German of Mill Valley; three children, David German of Eugene, Ore., Ellen Mundell of Santa Rosa and Stephen German of Woodland; and her grandchildren, Zachary, Leah, Molly, Kelsi and Thomas.

Private family services were held.

A gathering for family and friends is set for 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club, Mill Valley.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Ernest Rosenbaum Cancer Research Fund, Mt. Zion Health Systems, 3330 Geary Blvd., San Francisco 94118, or to Jewish Family and Children’s Service, 1600 Scott St., San Francisco 94115.