Geraldine Estelle Sams

Geraldine (Jeri) Sams, 78 of Oakdale passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 22 at home surrounded by her family. Jeri was born to parents, Mario and Genevieve Ernani in San Jose, California on January 19, 1935. She grew up in Willow Glen, CA and graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1952. Jeri had a gift for music and loved playing musical instruments from a very young age. She played the accordion, cello, piano, and organ. She also found a gift for teaching those instruments, which is why it makes perfect sense she attended and graduated San Jose State with an education degree and a minor in music. Jeri received her teaching credential in 1961 and taught in several different elementary schools throughout her career. In 1967 she and her husband were transferred to the Modesto / Oakdale area. Jeri dedicated countless hours to the Oakdale Woman’s club where she served as President for 4 years and as a board member for 34 years. She could always be counted on to have her music keyboard nearby or her friends over to the house enjoying her music and singing. Geraldine (Jeri) Sams, 78 of Oakdale passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 22 at home surrounded by her family. Jeri was born to parents, Mario and Genevieve Ernani in San Jose, California on January 19, 1935. She grew up in Willow Glen, CA and graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1952. Jeri had a gift for music and loved playing musical instruments from a very young age. She played the accordion, cello, piano, and organ. She also found a gift for teaching those instruments, which is why it makes perfect sense she attended and graduated San Jose State with an education degree and a minor in music. Jeri received her teaching credential in 1961 and taught in several different elementary schools throughout her career. In 1967 she and her husband were transferred to the Modesto / Oakdale area. Jeri dedicated countless hours to the Oakdale Woman’s club where she served as President for 4 years and as a board member for 34 years. She could always be counted on to have her music keyboard nearby or her friends over to the house enjoying her music and singing. Jeri is survived by her son Brad (Yvonne) and her 3 grandchildren; Bianca Marie, Ashley Madison, and Brent Teagan; Mother, Genevieve; Brother Mario and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Mario V. and her husband, Tom. A private memorial service will be held in Santa Clara. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to American Cancer Society or St. Judes Children’s hospital.