Gerda Lembcke Overgaard, 89, of Red Bank, passed peacefully Dec. 26, 2023. She was born Jan. 10, 1934, in Randers, Denmark, to Karen and Jens Lauridsen. She spent her childhood living under German occupation in Jutland.
An ardent student with a competitive streak, she graduated at the top of her class from the Randers Realskole and the Holstebro Handelsskole.
Gerda emigrated with her husband Ole Overgaard to the United States in 1968 and settled in Rumson for many wonderful years. She was always hospitable and kind and opened her home to many travelers and other souls in need. Their little ranch in Rumson was often referred to as “Hotel Denmark.”
Gerda had a love of travel, art, fashion and cooking. Eager to share her Danish cuisine and customs, friends and family would fill her home on Christmas Eve, eating aebleskiver, drinking juleglog, dancing around the tree and generating maximum hygge. She was always dressed elegantly with matching jewelry; cheetah print was her favorite neutral.
Her small stature belied an enormous strength of character. She met all her life’s challenges with grace and cheerfulness.
Gerda worked as a bookkeeper at the ARC of Monmouth for 39 years. She especially enjoyed volunteering at the Winter Glow Ball, golf outings and holiday celebrations.
She was predeceased by her husband Ole Overgaard. Gerda is survived by her brothers, Peer and John Lauridsen of Denmark; her loving children and their partners, Ole Jr. of Denmark, Steffen and Erin Overgaard of Middletown, Charlotte and Simon Cole of Fair Haven, and Henrik Overgaard and Joann Church of Red Bank; her dear grandchildren, of whom she was very proud, Shane and Jenn Overgaard, Devin Overgaard, Kaitlin Overgaard, Alexandra and Juan Pablo Negrete, Olivia Cole, and Vivian Overgaard; and two great-grandchildren, Logan Overgaard and Juan Diego Negrete. She will also be missed by her beloved caregiver, Maritza Rosado. Vi elsker dig Mor!
Arrangements are by Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank.
This article originally appeared in the January 11 – 17, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
