GERTRUDE CORCHERO - UNION CITY'S CITY TREASURER

Gertrude Corchero and husband Ray have lived in Union City almost all their lives.  It is interesting to note that Gertrude was born in an historic farm in Union City, a farm owned by the Union City pioneering farmer, Ezra Decoto.  The farm was where Gertrude's ancestors settled.  Gertrude's birthplace was a ramshackle frame house surrounded by acres and acres of tomatoes and cucumbers.  She and her family stayed in a camp and picked these vegetables.  The acres and acres of tomatoes and cucumbers are now gone and in their place is the Pulte Heritage tract of homes.

Gertrude, of Portuguese descent, was born on July 30, 1928.  She attended the old Decoto School up to 8th grade and then Washington High School.  Ray, of Spanish descent, was born on February 28, 1919, and passed away a few years ago.  They were married October 12, 1947, and had two daughters.

Gertrude's ambition was to serve her hometown.  She did this as Union City's City Treasurer for 24 years following a frantic call from Mayor Tom Kitayama in the early 70's.  He asked her to fill the position of City Treasurer.  She complied and remained City Treasurer until 1997.

The family attended mass at St. Anne Church in Old Alvarado.  Gertrude remembers the feast of the Holy Ghost, which they celebrated in Old Alvarado.  She proudly reminisces that both daughters were queens during the festivities.