Memories of Geraldine Libbie Wilson

In memory of

Geraldine Libbie Wilson

Frederick, MD, USA

April 5, 1938 - May 26, 2021

Apr 5, 1938 - May 26, 2021

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a gift to ArtSpring or Alzheimer's Association.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Story

Condolence

Year (Optional)

Location (Optional)

Caption

YouTube/Facebook/Vimeo Link

Caption

Who is in this photo?

Or start with a template for inspiration

About you

What was your relationship to Geraldine?

Cancel

By posting this memory, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Elaine George

Thinking about Gerri and how much she DID with her talents and energy. We were lucky to be part of her efforts. Miss her

Read More Read Less

Comments:

Bruce Wilson

Not a day goes by without thinking about my love. Not a day goes by without thinking about my love. Not a day goes by without thinking about my love.

Diana Dawson (Coyner)

How lucky for us all that we have memories of lovely Gerri.

Read More Read Less

Bruce Wilson

Today, May 26, 2024, marks the 3rd anniversary of Gerri’s passing. My loving wife no longer walks this earth, but she still fills my heart with joy.

Read More Read Less

Please consider a gift to ArtSpring or Alzheimer's Association.

$130.00

Raised by 2 people

Learn more & give

Bruce Wilson

2018, Frederick, MD, USA

Gerri blowing out her birthday candle at a joyful gathering of family and friends for her 80th in 2018. Today, April 5, 2022, would have been her 84th. She is still the love of my life.

Read More Read Less

Bruce Wilson

Julie Ericson (Gustin)

2021, Woodbridge, VA, USA

The relationship that my parents and Bruce and Geraldine had taught me the value of friendship. No matter the miles time was always shared at least once a year to share joy and laughter. It seems today that value has been lost somewhere a long the way. Because of their example I am able to do the same with the people I love. I was the only girl in the friend group growing up and she always took the time to make me feel welcomed, for that I am eternally grateful. Love-Julie Gustin

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Cathy Kling

1990, Lake Tahoe , family gatherine

Stephen Wilson

Comments:

Cathy Kling

This is a happy memory from late 1989 when Aunt Judy (Gerri to everyone else), Uncle Bruce and Stephen came... Read more This is a happy memory from late 1989 when Aunt Judy (Gerri to everyone else), Uncle Bruce and Stephen came to visit us in California... Read more This is a happy memory from late 1989 when Aunt Judy... Read more

The Rev. Dr. William Bradley Roberts

Gerri and I were on the board of Melodious Accord together for many years. She always impressed me as a very centered person, calm in her own spirit, completely engaged with those around her. She was a light in this world, and we will greatly miss her. Blessings, Bill Roberts.

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Jim Kling

2004, Washington D.C., DC, USA

Reading Aunt Judy's story, I realized what a source of strength she has been to so many people. I'd like to share a story about when she was a source of strength for me.

I was living in Washington, DC, during a time of transition in my life. I was in my late 30s, so uncertain of what my future was and where I would live. My legs began to hurt. The pain became worse day by day, with no explanation. It finally drove me to the doctor, and then a rheumatologist, who ran some tests and couldn't find anything wrong.

He sent me to a neurologist, who recommended a nerve conduction test. I didn't know anything about it until I spoke to a colleague, who told me of a friend of hers who'd had a nerve conduction test done, and that it was the most painful experiences of her life.

I was terrified. Normally pain doesn't frighten me too much, but I was in such a state over the pain and difficulties in my personal life. I didn't think I could do it.

I think it must have been after dinner one evening, Aunt Judy asked me what was troubling me, and I told her. I told her I didn't think I could follow through with the test.

I saw a side of her I hadn't seen before. My loving aunt, who had always shown me such warmth and acceptance, became stern. I might have even recoiled slightly, it was so unexpected. "Jim, you need to do it," she said.

I don't remember what I said. Maybe something about the pains were probably nothing. I probably tried to deflect. Because I felt that she was disappointed, almost angry with me. She wouldn't let me off the hook, though. She said to me again: "This is your health. You do this."

It wasn't a suggestion. It wasn't an order, either. The message seemed to me to be, 'I know you. You're strong. You'll do this.' There were more words that I don't remember about health, and responsibility, but that was what I heard and remembered.

It took a day or two more to decide, but I kept the appointment. I never did find out what the problem was. The nerve conduction study showed my legs were perfectly healthy. Once I felt certain there was nothing physically wrong with me, I turned to other causes. I realized that I had been walking up and down a steep ravine to get to my favorite coffee shop each afternoon. It dawned on me to take the long way around and avoid the slope and the stress on my legs.

More importantly, I made some long-overdue life decisions. The pain lessened day by day, until it was gone, and I had put myself on a track that I'm still on today, married to a wonderful woman and blessed with a wonderful daughter.

I can trace much of it to that day with Aunt Judy, and the strength she gave me.

I love her. I miss her.

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Elaine George

Stephen Wilson

Comments:

Elaine George

Gerri was comfortable and authentic and welcoming to everyone. always learning, always growing. inspiring.... Read more Gerri was comfortable and authentic and welcoming to everyone. always learning, always growing. inspiring. a woman to emulate.... Read more Gerri was comfortable and authentic and welcoming to... Read more

Elaine George

Stephen Wilson

Matt & Diana Nettleton

Matt and I will cherish the fond memories that we have of time spent with Aunt Gerri. Her lovely photography and art hang in our home! Aunt Gerri was a beautiful soul on earth and we are so happy that she shared precious moments with us! Matt & Diana Nettleton

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Diana Dawson (Coyner)

Gerri, Bruce, Stephen were neighbors in Silver Spring, Maryland. My son Chris Coyner and Stephen were in the same class at Fairland Elementary. As parents we shared all the kid’s school experiences, especially class plays and Little League. Sometimes Gerri and I could grab some time for activities on our own. Comical experiences from our beginner yoga class will be forever etched on my brain.
It is wonderful to know that Gerri continued to expand her talents in music, art, and photography and to share those with the community. Bruce and Stephen are in my thoughts.

Read More Read Less

In response to "How did you first meet Geraldine?"

Stephen Wilson

Comments:

Diana Dawson (Coyner)

It’s so hard to believe that two years have passed. Gerri remains in my thoughts. I hope her spirit continues... Read more It’s so hard to believe that two years have passed. Gerri remains in my thoughts. I hope her spirit continues to give comfort ... Read more It’s so hard to believe that two years have passed.... Read more

Gloria and Jesse Dubin

I was helping Gerri with her Spanish just before COVID. Gerry wanted to brush up on her Spanish since she and Bruce vacationed in Mexico. I knew she was a very talented photographer through the exhibits at Homewood but was not aware of her wonderful abilities and contributions in music other than she sang beautifully in the "Notables" Choir. Gerri had a very rich and productive life with Bruce by her side. She will be very much missed in our community. Our most sincere condolences to Bruce and his family.

DESCANSE EN PAZ AMIGA GERRI.

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Laura Myers

I was privileged to work with Gerri for many years in the Holton-Arms lower school. Gerri was a phenomenally gifted teacher whose passion for her subject inspired and impacted numberless girls during her long tenure at the school. Her willingness and enthusiasm for working collaborative enhanced my work, and I loved working with her. Long after she retired, her foot prints remained in the music program - especially the annual holiday concert. I sorely missed her intelligence, knowledge, guidance, and humor after she left the school. News of Gerri's passing was a sit down and try to remember to breath moment. I adored her, and I send my most sincere condolences to her adored Bruce, Stephen, and the rest of her family.
Laura

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Anne Baker

Thinking of you all and of Gerri. I loved getting to know her at Holton Arms and sharing bits of our retired lives afterwards… Blessings to you all and to her. She made a difference in this world!
Anne Huyler Baker

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Susan Nettleton

Bruce and Stephen my heart aches for you! Gerri was such a loving, caring, giving, and thoughtful person. Her passing comes on the recent death of my Dad on 2/18. Boy, 2021 has not been good for us! Love you tons. Susan

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Pat Michener

While Gerri taught music to Lower School girls at Holton-Arms School for much of her career, I taught the Upper School students in the Math Department and served as Dean of Students. I didn't really get to know Gerri very well until we both retired and discovered that our husbands had spent a good part of their careers at University of Maryland (but had never met then), both had a love of the outdoors of western Maryland/West Virginia, and then we all ended up in Frederick. Gerri loved our therapy-trained dog, and we were regular visitors even in those last days, bringing a smile to Gerri's face. Bruce's words in the obituary elegantly capture the richness of Gerri's life and the many ways she touched the lives of so many with her gifts.

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Marilyn Shaw

I am so saddened to learn of Gerri’s passing. Gerri introduced me to the joys of choral music through her teaching and conducting of my daughter, Elizabeth Shaw ‘03, in Lower School, that has led both Elizabeth and myself to a life of full participation in choral music. Thank you, Gerri, for all you gave to my family at Holton-Arms that we carry with us today. We shall miss you. Condolences to all of the family. Marilyn Tebor Shaw, Parent (Rachel ‘00, Elizabeth ‘03) and former Lower School Faculty Member, Holton-Arms School.

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

The Rev. Dr. William Bradley Roberts

Gerri and I served together for many years on the board of Melodious Accord, but I never knew of the vast contributions she made to art and education until reading her eulogy. Gerri was a dynamic leader and a warm and gracious person, whose life blessed many people.

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Sandra Frank

What a beautiful tribute to an inspiration of a human. So honored to have known Gerri and am so grateful to all she gave her community!

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

Karen Ferguson

What a beautiful, detailed obituary. Thanks to Steven and Bruce, I'm sure.

Read More Read Less

Stephen Wilson

James Anthony

My memories of Gerri go back to the Ann Arbor days, when I was the organist and Bruce was the choir director at the University Reformed Church. Gerri regularly sang solos. We became very close friends. A year or two after they moved to the Washington area, I moved to Baltimore to teach at Towson University. We stayed in touch and saw each other at Baltimore Symphony concerts. Reading her obituary enlightens me about her tremendous accomplishments as a music educator, an artist, and as a wonderful human being. My condolences go out to Bruce and the entire family and I look forward to attending the memorial on July 10.

Read More Read Less