Gerda Giesla Findlay

Gerda Giesla Findlay, Born on April 21, 1943 in Allenstein, East Prussia to Anna Bukowski and Franz Kewitz, passed away on June 25, 2017 in Farmington, Utah. The youngest of six siblings. Raised in Bad Hersfeld, Germany after her family migrated there from East Prussia during WWII. Gerda met her husband Tom while he was stationed in Germany serving for the United States Army. Married in 1963. Moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1965. Shortly after, they moved to Monterey Bay, California and Gerda began working for Bank of America in 1968. Gerda retired from Bank of America after 29 years having worked as a corporate loan officer, managing business relationships in the Monterey Bay area.  Gerda was considered an expert on etiquette, protocol and international banking.

Tom & Gerda loved to spend their summers at the lake camping and boating. Considered by many close friends to be a pioneer of modern day “Glamping,” AKA glamour camping. Gerda could host the best dinner party, and had a keen eye for detail. An excellent cook, with a passion for spice and flavor, her cooking was adored and loved by all. Always a snazzy dresser, Gerda loved fashion and once worked for Roos Atkins Clothing. Gerda loved gardening, her roses, and a summer evening with good company. She was also a member of CA Women for Agriculture.

Gerda is survived by her husband Thomas Alma Findlay, sister Helga (James Smith), brother Franz Kewitz, great niece Jessica (Nic Cronin) and many other nieces, nephews and friends. A celebration of Gerda’s life will be held on July 9, 2017.