Virginia Jill Gebauer

Virginia Jill Gebauer.. Mom, Oma….. Caring Wife. Dedicated Mother. Devoted Christian. Energizer Bunny. No matter how you knew our mom you knew one thing for sure; she loved with all her being. She gave 100% to every role she stepped into and did it with vim, vigor and candor. Our mom loved her job. She touched countless lives through her unrivaled cooking, volunteer efforts and effervescence in a tiny package. She was a nurturer but believed “life is good as long as you don’t weaken”. She was always willing to help those in need and give away her last dollar if she thought someone would benefit from it; and she’d write you a check if she didn’t have the dollar on her. She was the best mom ever, and had a knack for making things better, from a bad fall through a willow tree, to stress-induced calls from college at 2:00a.m to amazing tickle backs. She was always there for you, to let you know everything will be okay. She protected those she loved with her bold heart, and was truly selfless, taking care of everyone else first. As our family hub, she loved us so much, and is survived by her husband, children, children-in-laws, grandkids, and great grandkids.

As friends and family know, mom was the most incredible cook. Famous for her delicious pies, chili, soups and so much more. She loved to try new recipes. It meant so much to her that the food she prepared brought people together in ways only those who knew her could imagine. It mattered not that everything was 9,763 calories - mom’s cooking meant so much more than just the meal.

Our mom and dad's love began nearly 58 years ago. Mom clearly demonstrated that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Swooned by her potato salad, blue eyes and warm smile, dad was hooked from day one. They fell in love and lived their lives together raising four children on a farm with pigs, chickens, cows and goats while dad provided for the family as a Tool and Die maker by night and gentleman farmer by day. The hours were endless, just like their love and commitment to family. Eventually, the farm grew into what so many people know as Country Heritage Christmas Tree Farm. Providing “fat, sassy little trees”, the warmth of a stone fireplace and the love of family fostered the true spirit of Christmas for hundreds of people for nearly 25 years.

After retiring last December, mom and dad headed to Florida in “Tela”, their beloved RV. They had two months of bliss, making new friends, playing shuffleboard, cooking scallops and soaking up the warm winter sun. Our mom was the happiest she had ever been, living life to the fullest. We know she will miss the things in life that brought her so much joy; from feeding string cheese to her canine companion, Mulan, to daily calls to family (sometimes three or four times a day), to providing feasts for everyone around her. Our mom lived and loved with an optimism that inspired us all. She was a bottomless pit of love and showed us the power of family. Our mom will be missed with a vastness that no words can explain. We hope her passing reminds everyone that everyday is a gift. Always be willing to share a hug and tell loved ones how much you care for and appreciate them.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for 11:AM, June 4th at Frankford Plains United Methodist Church 99 Plains Road Augusta, NJ 07822 The family and Womens' Group welcomes everyone to commune and share a light lunch following the service.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations to be made to Womens' Group of the Frankford Plains United Methodist Church, Operation Christmas Child to support Mom's passion for providing shoe boxes full of love to children in need around the world. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wood Funeral Home 16 Main St Branchville, NJ 07826 Online condolences maybe made to www.woodfuneralhome.net