Gertrude Irene Laitamaa Smart Lindenblad was born on October 22, 1934, to William and Saima Laitamaa in Hancock, Michigan.

"Gertie" grew up in Houghton, Michigan and in 1953 married Dale Smart of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. They were married for 53 years and had one son Jon Smart.

Dale and Gertie retired to Lakeland, Florida in 1997. Dale passed away in 2006. In 2015 Gertie married Dr. Gordon Lindenblad. They were married five years.

Gertie loved travelling with both Dale and Gordon, reading and knitting. She also loved visiting the family cabin ("the camp") in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where she picked blueberries and was surrounded by nature and many lifelong friends.

Gertie was very proud of her 68 years as a Beta Sigma Phi sister and having served two terms as a Presbyterian Elder. She was a deacon and longtime member of Hope Community Church.

Gertie is survived by her son Jon Smart and his wife Susan, three stepchildren Dr. Eric Lindenblad of Lakeland, Dr. Kris Riddlesperger (Dr. James Riddlesperger), of Fort Worth, Texas, and Gordon Ambler Lindenblad of Lakeland, eight step grandchildren and 13 step great grandchildren.