Geraldine Powell

Geraldine “Gerry” Powell was a passionate, strong, caring woman who lived her life by being a loving wife, caring mother, doting grandmother, devoted friend and faithful Christian. She was a constant in the lives of those who knew her, very dependable and loyal. Selfless and giving, Gerry gave much of her time and energy to others, never passing up another in need. She was simply a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth.

Geraldine was born on November 4, 1917, to Joseph and Maude (Baden) TerBeck. She was the youngest of three TerBeck daughters. One of Gerry’s sisters died at birth and the other sister died at the age of three.

Gerry lived in Kalamazoo all of her life. It is the place where she created a lifetime full of memories with her family and friends. Her father was the well-respected Merchandise Manager at Gilmore Brother’s Department Store in downtown Kalamazoo where he worked for over 40 years, while her mother was a homemaker. Gerry graduated from Kalamazoo Central high school in 1935. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kalamazoo College in 1939.

Gerry was a longtime, faithful member of the First Congregational Church in Kalamazoo. It was there Gerry met the love of her life, Robert H. Powell, and it wasn’t long before romance blossomed between the two. Bob and Gerry were married on September 28, 1940.

Over the next few years, Gerry and Bob filled their hearts and home with the joy and laughter of three wonderful children: Robert “Tom”, Linda and James. Family always came first in Gerry’s heart. It was said she was a typical “50s kind of mom” and she had many roles around the home, which kept everything running smoothly. From being the disciplinarian and financial planner to the coordinator of activities, her passion was to support her family. Gerry had a deep love of music and wanted her children to enjoy the arts as well. She strongly encouraged them to be involved in choir, music lessons, dance, band and orchestra.

Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Gerry was very involved in her community and church – not in a big leadership way, but quietly in the background. She was instrumental in organizing First Congregational Church’s library and she was active in the Mary Kate Guild. She ran the concession stand at the Milwood Little League, and was a member of the American Association of University Women. In her own subtle way, Gerry was a big supporter of women’s rights, and was an active member in the first all-female stock club in Kalamazoo. This group of women educated themselves on investing and planned wisely for their financial futures. With music in her heart, Gerry was a lifelong fan of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and was a season ticket holder for many years.

In her leisure time, Gerry enjoyed playing the piano, reading and tending to her roses and flowers, which she loved. She was a collector of antique teacups and china, and boxes of all shapes and sizes. After her husband Bob retired, the couple began to travel more, visiting many historical landmarks and places around the USA and Canada. They liked to keep their feet on the ground, so driving was their primary mode of transportation on these memorable trips. Gerry was in her glory if she could ride around in a convertible, with the wind in her hair and sun on her face.

Once a month for many years, Bob and Gerry looked forward to getting together with their good friends, the Meeuwsens, Rumbles, and Davidsons, for a potluck dinner and card playing. Gerry was always happy to spend time with her four grandchildren and she especially loved the holidays when she knew her family would all be together.

All who knew and loved Gerry Powell will treasure her memory.

Geraldine “Gerry” Powell, age 92 of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her son, James, both in 2007. She is survived by her two children: Linda Powell of Grand Rapids and Robert Thomas Powell of Kalamazoo; and two daughters-in-law, Linda L. Powell of Kalamazoo and Cecelia Powell of Allegan. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Jason (Linda) Powell, Natalie (Justin Wilson) Powell, Logan (fiancé Jason Ranalli) Powell, and USMC Cpl Matthew Thomas Powell; and two great grandchildren, Dylan Ney Wilson and Grant Robert Powell.

Gerry’s family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI (344-5600). A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please visit Gerry’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to Loaves and Fishes or the First Congregational Church Music Fund.