By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

CHEVIOT - Gertrude C. Gilb Molique died Monday at Mercy Franciscan West Park, Westwood. The Cheviot resident was 101.

One of her daughters, Marilyn Fester of Cleves, said she thought that in addition to genetics, a certain favorite food contributed to her mother's long life.

"My mother loved ice cream, and I swear I think that must be the secret to her longevity," said Fester. "She'd eat a bowl every night, and it was usually chocolate."

Fester said her mother was called "Molly" by her friends and she had a great sense of humor.

Mrs. Molique was born in Mount Adams in 1903 and attended the Immaculata Church and School.

She worked at Mullane's Candy Shop and later the Federal Reserve Bank before marrying fellow Mount Adams native Edward Molique in 1925.

They lived in Price Hill and Evanston for several years until they moved in 1935 to Cheviot, where Mrs. Molique lived for the remainder of her life.

Fester said her mother loved everything having to do with her religion. She was a member of St. Martin of Tours Parish, the St. Martin Society and the Rosary Making Club, and sang in the choir. She enjoyed making rosaries, which were sold to earn money to make additional rosaries for Catholic missions in the United States and other countries.

She held offices in the parent teacher associations of Elder High School and Mercy High School and participated in fund-raising activities.

In addition to Fester, survivors include two other daughters, Kathleen Laughlin of Price Hill and Jane Thole of Montgomery; a son, Paul of Cheviot; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will take place 9 a.m. today at the St. Martin of Tours Church, 3720 St. Martin Place, Cheviot, with the Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.

Memorials: St. Martin's Adopt-A-Student Program, 3720 St. Martin's Place, Cincinnati, OH 45211.

E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com