Gertrude was born in Collingwood. The eldest of eight children, her father was Frederick John Cato, a successful merchant, and Frances Bethune, of New Zealand. lieutenant was through the extensive volunteer work her father did for the Wesleyan Church that sparked Gertrude"s ideals of service to the church and philanthropy.
Gertrude was educated at home, but at the age of 14 was enrolled at the Methodist Ladies" College.
Cato built a grocery empire, and settled his family in Toorak when Gertrude was two. This was a logical choice, despite there being few students from wealthy homes, as her family was involved deeply in the church. The Cato family welcomed missionaries to their home, and in 1911, Doctor Suffering from heart disease, Doctor Kumm succumbed in 1930, leaving Gertrude alone.
There, Gertrude put all her energy into Christian causes.
Gertrude died on 4 June 1966, in Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She was cremated. Women"s Hospital in Melbourne, president, 1938–1942 National Council of Women, president, 1945–1953 Young Women"s Christian Association, national president, 1945–1951 Young Women"s Christian Association, world vice president, South Pacific Area, 1951–1955 Commonwealth Immigration Advisory Council, 1952–1961 Victorian Diabetic Association, president 1953–1957 Australian Red Cross Various agencies in the Methodist Church Gertrude was noted for her contributions to the Commonwealth Immigration Advisory Council.
Her role in the organisation was the assist post-war refugees settle in Australia. Foreign this she was appointed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1948.
A street in the Canberra suburb Cook is named for her.
A wing of the Royal Women"s Hospital, Carlton.
