Gerda R. Whitman

ANNANDALE, VA – Gerda Joan Rice Whitman, 96, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 18, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 21, 1929, to Harry and Elizabeth (Braemer) Rice, Gerda grew up in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood and graduated from the Winchester School, class of 1947. She received a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, class of 1951. Gerda worked for the University of Pittsburgh Press after graduation, putting her attention to detail and skills in English grammar and writing to good use. This lifelong love of language was instilled in her three children even as they grew to adulthood. In 1963, Gerda married Nelson Whitman, also of Pittsburgh, and a 62-year marriage began with a move to northern Virginia. There they raised three children, first living in Alexandria and then moving to Annandale. Gerda was active for many years in girl scouting, leading neighborhood troops and serving on the board of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital Council, where she received numerous awards for service. She was an avid collector of stuffed and collectable bears. Her collection numbers in the thousands. Visitors to the family home were often taken to meet the bears before meeting the rest of the human family. She was a supporter of the arts and a season ticketholder to ballet and opera at the Kennedy Center, and a longtime member of Beth El Hebrew Congregation in Alexandria, Virginia. Above all, she was a devoted wife and mother, often volunteering at her children’s school activities and often serving as carpooler-in-chief. Family meant everything to her and she was always accepting and supportive of her children and family. Gerda is survived by her husband, Nelson, and three children, Frances (Bill) Ostendorf; Harriet (John) Dunkerley and Bernard (Constantin Mitides) Whitman. She is also survived by four grandchildren: James (Ashley) Ostendorf, Sally (Patrick) Ferrell, Zachary Whitman, Rosella Dunkerley; and five great-grandchildren: Ella, Sophia, Olivia and Noah Ostendorf and Lillian Ferrell. She is also survived by her younger brother, Walter (Bonnie) Rice and along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Contributions in her honor may be made to the World Wildlife Fund, the National Humane Society or the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. A funeral service will be held Monday, April 21, at 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. Burial in Pittsburgh at West View Cemetery. Meet at Ralph Schugar Chapel at 10 a.m. before burial.

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Gerda R. Whitman

March 21, 1929 - April 18, 2025