Geraldine McGee

Every once in a while one encounters an individual whose life was filled with so much love and joy that it is evident this person lived a life that was truly blessed. Geraldine McGee was one of these people. She spent many years giving and receiving love. With her kind and generous heart coupled with her vivacious spirit, Geraldine brought light and life to all those within her reach. Those she leaves behind will consider themselves blessed for having been given such an extraordinary woman to have been touched by.

The decade of the 1920s was a drastically changing time within America. Women had just gained the right to vote, and buying on credit was quickly becoming the nation’s favorite new discovery. It was also in this year in Marion, Illinois that Calvin and Fariba (Sager) Morgan were pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Geraldine, on November 15, 1920. Geraldine was one of three children and the only girl among her brothers, Bud and Els.

Geraldine worked hard all her life, whether it was taking care of her family, or working as a caretaker at Morgan Manor in Chebanse for 35 years. She worked at the Kankakee State Hospital for a time too. By the time she retired from the Manor in 1984, Geraldine had many precious grandchildren and great grandchildren to share her time with. Her granddaughters especially loved going over to “GramGee’s” house, where she had a room filled with just dolls that they played with for hours. And what little girl doesn’t like to play dress up with Grandma’s old beautiful dresses and jewelry, which Geraldine had an abundance of for their playing fun. One of her grandkids’ favorite traditions, however, was her fabulous Easter celebrations, complete with a big egg hunt in the backyard. After the eggs had been found, the adults would visit inside, and Grandma Gee always had a special toy for the kids to play with in the living room. Another wonderful tradition that her great granddaughters, Ashley and Erica, looked forward to every year was Christmas morning with Grandma Gee (even though they had to wait to open gifts until she got there). Once the gifts were all unwrapped, they were able to enjoy Grandma’s famous breakfast casserole, and sharing the best times together. Erica said, “It will not be Christmas without Grandma Gee.” These cherished memories of time together now become treasures of the heart.

Aside from family, a significant part of Geraldine’s life was as a member of the Chebanse Order of the Eastern Star, in which she was initiated on October 5, 1961. Over the next 49 years, Geraldine served in many capacities in the Temple, including as Worthy Matron for 13 years, and Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Illinois for 2 years. She was an active member and held an office even until the day she died. Geraldine was known for her spunky nature, and every time the Chebanse Chapter had a yard sale, they could count on Geraldine being out by the highway, yelling and waving her arms making sure everyone knew about their special sale. The Chapter also benefited from Geraldine’s talent of knitting and crocheting, as she donated many of her crafts to their sale, which never went unnoticed.

It was easy to see that Geraldine considered it pure joy to care for her husband, Paul McGee, and her children. She was active in the lives of her loved ones and also created a home that was a place where love was plentiful. Geraldine loved cooking for her family, and her amazing potato salad was one of the mainstays at every family get together, along with her rainbow salad dessert. Although many have tried over the years to recreate her delicious potato salad, it was never the same as Grandma Gee’s. Needless to say, everyone waited in anticipation for Grandma’s car to drive up with all the great goodies to unload. In the fall, Geraldine always took the time (and patience) to gut pumpkins and separate out all the seeds for everyone to enjoy toasted later on. In her more leisure moments, Geraldine enjoyed gardening, crocheting and spending time with her faithful four-legged companions, Penny and Freckles.

Although Geraldine will be greatly missed, her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Geraldine McGee, age 90, of Kankakee, IL passed away on Monday, February 21, 2011, at Riverside Medical Center, Kankakee, IL. Surviving are her two grandsons: Mike and Nicolette Mathews of Kankakee, IL, Jim and Carol Mathews of Baraboo, WI; daughters and sons-in-law: Jeanie and Dick Darr of Kankakee, IL, Sandy and John Mazzuchi of Bradley, IL; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and one great great grandchild; special niece, Ruth and Royal Williams of Parkview, MI. Also surviving is her faithful companion, Freckles. Geraldine is preceded in death by an infant daughter, two sons, Gerald Mathews and Danny Coy, two brothers, Bud Morgan and Els Morgan, and husbands, Mel Coy and Paul McGee. She is also preceded by her faithful companion, Penny.

An Eastern Star service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 25, followed by a celebration of life prayer service for Geraldine at 8 p.m. at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Homes. A gathering time for family and friends for Geraldine will be on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Homes. Please visit Geraldine’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory, upload a photo and/or sign her online guest book. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eastern Star Chebanse Chapter.