Geraldine Susan Brophy

Geraldine Brophy, 71, died July 30th 2015. Gerry, daughter of the late Ernie and Mary Katona, wife of Paul Brophy, passed away peacefully in her home in Manchester, NJ surrounded by her family after an epic battle with cancer. Gerry is survived by her husband Paul, her children Peter DeCaro and Trish Hardy, her 3 grandchildren Mackenzie, Gavin and Quentin Hardy, and her beloved cat Abby.

Born in Long Island City Queens in 1945 and raised in Astoria, Queens, Gerry spent the majority of her adult life living in New Jersey and working at Wanaque and Haskell Schools as a Teacher and Guidance Counselor. In 1995, she was recognized as New Jersey Governors Teacher of the Year for her ongoing contributions to her students and school district,

In more recent years, Gerry and Paul began spending the winter months in Florida. Gerry’s many passions included a love for animals, travel, jewelry, her iPad, and spending time with her family and many friends. Gerry’s long and courageous battle with cancer has come to an end.

For 28 years Gerry has fought, and won, her historic battle with cancer – including the last 13 years battling metastatic breast cancer. During those years and throughout, Gerry’s zest for life and living never waned. For those close to Gerry, know that she died as she lived – passionately and on her own terms. Her spirit will be admired and remembered by all. Services will be held Saturday August 22nd at 10 a.m. at Saint John’s Roman Catholic Church in Lakehurst N.J. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (http://mbcn.org) or Ramapo Bergan Animal Refuge (http://rbari.org)