Geraldine Scharman

Geraldine (Gerry) Scharman, 93, passed away on June 7, 2024 with dementia symptoms. She was born March 24, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Adrienne Adamson and Hyrum Scharman. Gerry graduated from East High School where she was very involved in many activities.

While growing up, Gerry lived on Windsor Street, in a neighborhood that she loved. It was there that she developed a strong connection with nearby friends and those attending the 31st Ward, Park Stake, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1957 the family moved to the Yalecrest Ward of the Bonneville Stake. Gerry lived in the Yalecrest-area house until she passed away. She developed many close relationships in that neighborhood, but, being stubborn, she continued attending the 31st Ward which became the 36th Ward which became the LeGrande Ward which ultimately became the Garden Park Ward. The Garden Park Ward was very welcoming to their new member when she arrived at age 92. Gerry held a variety of positions in the Church but had a particular love for the Junior Sunday School when there was such a thing.

Following the death of her mother in 1971, Gerry continued to live with her father and was his primary caregiver where she unselfishly assisted as his dementia progressed until his passing in 1992.

Gerry’s life revolved around family, church, employment, shopping, parades, reading obituaries, and Christmas. Gerry worked for the Sweet’s Candy Company for 50 years where she retired as secretary to the president, Tony Sweet in 2004. Gerry loved to shop and it was not unusual for her to work the words Auerbach’s, The Paris, Castleton’s, or especially, ZCMI into any modern-day conversation. She knew the clerks by name and they knew her. Gerry shopped for Christmas all year long. For as long as those now living can remember, part of Christmas was gathering at her house on Christmas morning. What made it difficult was finding a place to sit since the floor was covered with presents in all available spaces.

Because going to the July 24 parade was a must for Gerry, it became a must for everyone in the family. We all attended and it was made easier by our having access to the yard of Norma Noffsinger, one of Gerry’s closest friends. She was not happy when the parade was shifted from 900 to 800 South.

Gerry had a close connection with her brother, Brent, and his seven daughters; Heather, Holli, Heidi, Haley, Hillary, Katie and Kimberly. When Brent married Jan Samuelson the number of children to form relationships with increased by three – two more sister steprelations and one brother, Chris, Amie, and Holly. From the earliest days, Gerry was part of family vacations and activities of all kinds. Sunday dinners in her backyard were a common summer activity.

Gerry also had a caring relationship with her brother, Gordon, who passed away in 1974. Gordon had three children with his first wife, Adele Woolley. Reed, Scott, and Elizabeth were important parts of Gerry’s life especially when they were younger and contact was more frequent. Gerry also had a close relationship with Gordon’s son, Michael, whom he had with his second wife, Nancy Whitney. She was commonly heard to say, “He’s a nice boy,” even though he’s now 51 years old. Gerry was also deeply saddened by the premature death of her brother, Jack, in 2001 who was residing in Los Angeles, California.

Gerry stayed active into her older years. She walked around the outside boundary of Sugarhouse Park two times a day until it became risky due to fear of falling. Two comments frequently made by Gerry were, “That was the worst day of my life,” referring to the day she lost her driver’s license, and “It’s the trial of my life” referring to her hair which she preferred to be red, but which turned a beautiful white in her later years.

The family wishes to express thanks to those who have been supportive of Gerry in her later years. Our family has come to refer to Bev Hiatt as a saint. She went the extra mile many times. Others who offered assistance with transportation, and styling her hair at home (Marlena was remarkable), are greatly appreciated. The Meals on Wheels program about which she at one time said, “I would die before I’d eat that stuff.” became life savers. The food they delivered was excellent and the personal connections were invaluable. Services provided by the county, under the direction of Tussy King, were personalized and helpful. Her family doctor, Reid Hales, and his assistant were like saviors to her. Around the house, she referred to him as Reid.

Gerry is preceded in death by her mother, Adrienne, father, Hyrum, brother, Gordon, and his wife, Nancy Whitney, brother Jack, and life-long friend Melvin D. Lambert to whom she was sealed. She is survived by her brother, Brent, his wife, Jan, and fourteen nieces and nephews.

There will be an evening viewing on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Garden Park Ward, 1150 Yale Ave., SLC, UT 84105 There will also be a morning viewing at the Garden Park Ward, 1150 Yale Ave., SLC, UT 84105 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2024., followed by funeral services from 11:00 to 12:00. Interment will follow immediately after the funeral services in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N St., SLC, UT 84103.