Gadie McBride, 1941-2023, passed away August 17 at her home in Bear River, Ferndale. She was 82. Gadie was born in South Africa and moved with her family to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) as a young child, where she lived for 40 years. Gadie’s parents became farmers in Rhodesia.

Gadie met her husband, Bill McBride, in Rhodesia and they were married in Ferndale in 1983 and were married for 40 years until Bill’s passing in May this year.

Gadie’s family: son, Hugo Klopper (wife Liz), daughter Rentia O’Neill (husband Paul), sister Marie (Botha) Harris (husband Steve), grandchildren, Ryan, Aaron and Matthew Klopper, Russ Hobbs (wife Jen), Andrew Hobbs (wife Lucy), great grandchild Hugh Hobbs. Stepchildren, Bill McBride Jr (wife Angela), Bobby McBride, Cathy LaFleur, Peggy Norton (husband Ron).

Gadie owned a boutique by Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe for many years and upon settling in Ferndale she opened The African Connexion and bought African crafts and artifacts to sell. Upon retirement to her home in Bear River Gadie found true love as a Master Gardener and created a truly wonderful garden.

Gadie was a crafter and entered many categories at the Humboldt County Fair, including wedding cakes, flower arrangements and handwoven rugs. She loved to collect rustic art and pottery for her garden.

Gadie and Bill took many trips together including Africa, Mexico, Alaska and England.

Gadie loved to play Pinocle with her group of friends and always enjoyed listening to her husband Bill as he sang and entertained at The Ivanhoe for many years.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to The Fortuna Senior Center or Ferndale Community Church.

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Gadie McBride’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.