Geraldine Yvonne Frederick

She was predeceased by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her husband Bill and their daughters, Teri and Beth.

Born in Okeechobee, Florida in 1936, Geraldine (Gerry) spent time on her maternal grandmother's chicken farm and her paternal grandparents' cattle ranch. She grew up traveling with her parents all over the U.S. and the Philippines, wherever the Air Force sent them.

In 1959, after returning to Florida, the family was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base. A young lieutenant from the base moved in next door, and Gerry met William (Bill) Frederick for the first time when her dad invited him over for a barbecue. After a year-long courtship, Bill and Gerry married in 1960 at the MacDill AFB chapel in Tampa, Florida. So began their 64-year-long love story.

They traveled extensively, both with the Air Force and on their own, exploring the historical and cultural landmarks of Europe, including some behind the Iron Curtain, while stationed in Germany; then criss-crossing America to new stations or to visit far-flung relatives. Along the way, their daughters were born in northern Maine and central Texas.

Service to country and family were central themes in Gerry's life. Her father, uncle, husband and two daughters served in the Air Force, and she herself served 2,500 hours as a Family Services volunteer helping military families adjust to their new duty stations.

As a devoted wife and mother, Gerry's primary focus was the home. She mastered household management: cooking from scratch, sewing clothes for the family, decorating each new domicile to feel like home, organizing group activities such as Girl Scouts, managing finances and helping each family member succeed in their endeavors. She also found time to attend Troy University and Central Washington University, earning degrees in Business.

One of her great joys was connecting with distant family and friends, gathering and sharing their news. Geraldine will be remembered for her great love for and willingness to help others.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering a donation to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/

A graveside service for Geraldine will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 11:00 AM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925.