Gerlinde Albert was born in the Rhineland region of Germany in a small village called Erfenbach near the city of Kaiserslautern in 1933. As a child, she experienced many of the challenges associated with war, including the bombing raids of 1943-1945. After meeting her first husband, Charles Tolman, in 1955, they would marry in 1956 and eventually settle in Seattle in 1957 where Charles completed his PhD at Washington State University in 1962. They moved to Victoria in 1964 when Charles was offered a position in the Psychology department at UVIC. After their divorce in 1974, Gerlinde raised 4 kids while completing her first degree in History in 1977, and earned her 2nd degree in Social Work in 1981. She married Neil Jones that same year and they were together until his death in 2012. Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s she worked as a counsellor specializing in cross cultural and family counselling. After retiring from counselling she volunteered at the Salvation Army until she was 85 years old in 2018. From 2012 to 2020 she lived very happily and independently in the Tuscany Village condo complex (Gordon Head) where she became very well known by the local community there. She will be remembered for her compassion, love and years of service in helping those who faced challenges related to poverty or cultural transitions. She is survived by her 4 children Richard (and partner Arlene), Jeannette (and husband Jeff), Peter, Eric (and wife Debra), her stepchildren Ralph (and wife Jennifer), Sheri, and grandchildren Hannah, Robin, Madeline, Sadie and Daniel. We all Love you and will always miss you. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Gerlinde Albert (Jones) to the Salvation Army.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com
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Lindsay
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Albert and Debbie Huggins Sending our heartfelt condolences to the family. What a beautiful life well lived. Cherish the memories. Love and prayers. Albert and Debra Huggins
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Sherry Black I’m so sorry to hear of Glenda‘s passing! Sending condolences to all her family… Four days a week I would see her at Tuscany Starbucks and we’d have a little chat and a little giggle! Although I didn’t know her well, I used to look forward to our meetings and a little tidbit of information about the day to come.
She will be missed!
Sincerely, Sherry
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Gina Bassett Who will I chuckle with at these family gatherings? I will surely miss you Oma .So happy we talked on the phone from the hospital . As I told you then, I love you. Gina
To Gerlinde’s Loved Ones,
Gerlinde was my childcare worker from 1995 to 1997 while I was in the care of the Ministry. Every Wednesday, we would go to the Brass Duck, where she’d treat me to chicken fingers while she had a warm drink. Those small moments of care meant the world to me.
At the time, I was being abused in my foster home, and it was Gerlinde I confided in. I’ll never forget her reaction—how she told me she knew something was wrong, how she could see the change in me. She believed me. Gerlinde was like a grandmother to me, and the love and safety she gave me during that dark time left a lasting mark on my heart.
Sadly, after I disclosed the abuse, the Ministry never allowed me to see her again. I believe they were trying to protect themselves. That loss was devastating. Losing Gerlinde’s presence during such a critical time in my life was incredibly painful.
I wish I’d had the chance to see her one more time—to hug her, to tell her I’m okay, and that I have two beautiful daughters now. I often think of her and the strength she showed through her unwavering advocacy for children.
Gerlinde left a forever imprint on my life and in my heart.
I am so sorry for your loss.
With love and deep respect,
Lindsay
If anyone would like to reach out please feel free to email me at lindsaymsorrell@gmail.com