Gertrude Black Applebaum

Gertrude Applebaum, a devoted mother, accomplished professional and beloved member of the community passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024 in Abington, PA at the age of 103.  She was a longstanding member of the Corpus Christi community before her move to the Philadelphia area to be closer to her sister, Sue Warsaw.  She is survived by her son, Brett, her daughters-in-law Dorothy and Cindy, as well as 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson.  She is predeceased by her beloved husband Harold and son Scott, but their memory lived on in her heart and the hearts of all who knew and loved them.

Gertrude was born on February 14, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, where she spent her formative years.  She met her future husband Harold at Wright Jr. College before attending and graduation from the University of Chicago with a BS in Nutrition and Institutional Management and a minor in Food Chemistry.  Before her move to South Texas, she was a hospital dietician in Chicago and San Francisco and chemist for Swift and Company in Chicago.

In 1945, Gertrude embarked on a new chapter of her life when she and Harold moved to Corpus Christi, Texas.  Harold had been stationed at the Naval Air Station during WWII, befriended by Herb Train and promised employment.  Together they embraced the challenges of living far from their families in post war America.

In 1946 at the age of 25, Gertrude accepted the position of Director of Food Services for the Corpus Christi Independent School District, a position she held for over 40 years.  Her tireless efforts and visionary leadership revolutionized school nutrition programs throughout America.  Following her retirement, she accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent for Special Services in the Corpus Christi School District, a position she held for 7 years.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of school food service, she helped play a pivotal role in the formation of the American School Food Service Association (ASFSA).  Her leadership and advocacy were important in shaping policies and standards that continue to benefit school nutrition programs nationwide.  She was instrumental in developing the concept of centralizing school feeding operations through a central kitchen.  One of her crowning achievements was the construction of the Gertrude B. Applebaum Food Service Center in 1997.  Under her direction, the center revolutionized food service operations, introducing innovative concepts that became a model for school districts nationwide.

Gertrude’s influence was felt well beyond the local community.  In 1981-1982, she served as President of the ASFSA where she brought an operator’s perspective to her tenure.  Her leadership and guidance inspired a generation of younger directors, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Recognizing the need for continued innovation and collaboration, Gertrude co-founded inTEAM Associates, Inc., a consulting and marketing company dedicated to advancing food service practices and improving outcomes for students across the country.

In 2010, in recognition of her unparalleled contributions, Gertrude was honored as the inaugural recipient of the FAME Gertrude Applebaum Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to her lasting impact on the field of school nutrition. She was awarded the prestigious Silver Plate Award by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association in the Elementary and Secondary Schools category, further solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in her field.  She served as delegate to the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition in Washington DC in 1970.  She served as consultant on six seminars in Japan between 1973 and 1978, and received the “Certificate Of Commendation” by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Tokyo, Japan.

Gertrude cherished her time outside of work, dedicating it to building and nurturing relationships with her beloved friends and family.  Among them were four couples whose bond was so enduring that they formed an acronym, BAHN: the Birnbergs, Applebaums, Hursts, and Nisensons.  Together they embarked on journeys, reveled in celebrations and travel, and shared the sacred tradition of Passover for over four decades.  Through the years, Passover became more than a religious observance; it was a symbol of unity and love, cherished by generations of children and grandchildren.

Gertrude’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her and her legacy will continue to shine bright through the lives she touched.  She will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her extraordinary contributions to the world of school nutrition.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel, with a Graveside Service immediately following at Seaside Memorial Park.  There will be a Celebration of Life at the Jewish Community Center on Everhart Road after burial concludes. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.