Geraldine M. Graham, a strong, independent and gregarious one was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan on March 18, 1933. Jerie was raised in Utica, NY where she caught the eye of a dashing young man from Oriskany. Jerie and Rod (Ed) were married for 66 years raising four children, Stephen, Laurie, Reggie and Jocelyn. Mom and Dad raised us right and we strive to emulate their parenting with their grandchildren Emy, Kristen, and Graham and their great-grandchildren Alex and Will.
Mom was an adventurous soul camping across Canada with us kids ages 4 to 16 by herself while Dad stayed home happily fending for himself. Mom loved learning new things which included being a “Mother Earth News” organic farmer with composting, raising vegetables and canning. Transitioning from city life to country was no easy feat as she was a city girl having lived in Utica, Philadelphia and Lima before settling in Brown County.
Creativity was a passion for Mom and she liked to sew, paint and make ceramics — she even made tiny clothes for our Barbie dolls. Mom’s giving nature extended beyond her family and she volunteered at the Community Closet for over 20 years, well into her 80’s providing goods and clothes for those looking for treasures.
She was ferocious and fearless who suffered no fools. We called Mom “Hero Girl” for her strength and tenacity in fighting through a double leg amputation 12 years ago. She amazed all by her independence and she loathed asking for help. Her strength was sprinkled with humor for when asked by a child where her legs were, she said “I left them in the garage.”
Shortly after Dad’s passing, Mom joined him on the dance floor on May 26, 2020. Mom gave us our forever gifts of love, independence, strength, and believing in oneself. We love you and miss you bigger! In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brown County Community Closet or doing an act of kindness in her honor would make her smile.