Jay Joan Gerbis

Jay Joan Gerbis of Scituate, MA died on the 28th of March, 2022 after a battle with cancer. Born on February 19, 1956 in Oneida, NY; she is predeceased by her parents, Harold Eugene Gerbis & Joan Cobleigh Gerbis. Survived by her daughter Dana Catherine Gerbis Cullen and her partner, Myles Conrad Wilson, of London, England; her spouse, Charles John Cullen of Scituate, MA; her sister Carol Gerbis Sousa & brother-in-law Fernando Antonio Sousa of Scituate, MA, and their three children; her brother Harold Eugene Gerbis II & sister-in-law Jennifer Ford Gerbis of Scituate, MA, and their four children; her brother Gerald Cobleigh Gerbis of Bradenton, FL, and his two children.

A graduate of Scituate High School, Jay attended Katherine Gibbs and went on to graduate from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 1980. She obtained an MS in Taxation from Bentley University and subsequently passed the CPA exam on her first sitting - an unsurprising feat to those who knew her. She worked as a CPA for 25 years for a small firm in Boston before practicing on her own for the remainder of her career. Her mind was sharp and deliberate, qualities which complemented her passion for her job. Later in life, Jay started caring for children. It filled her life with unexpected joy and purpose. She was beloved by many of the children whose lives she influenced. Jay loved animals; particularly, horses, cats, and dogs. She was a true conservator of nature and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. She also was an exceptional seamstress, crafter and baker. Her apple pies and gingerbread house creations were legendary.

Jay’s spirit was fierce, and her heart was loyal. Her family and friends were lucky beneficiaries of her thoughtful and creative nature. Her daughter, Dana, of whom she was very proud, can attribute her open-mindedness and independence to her Mom's constitution as both a parent and a human.

In the words of singer Warren Zevon, "Keep me in your heart for a while. Hold me in your thoughts. Take me to your dreams."

In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Jay Joan Gerbis to support cancer research and patient care at:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

P.O. Box 849168

Boston, MA 02284

Or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.