Geraldine Lois Gilmartin

Geri (Geraldine Lois Gilmartin) passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on January 23rd, 2024 at the George Derby Center at the age of 93 years young. Geri will be dearly missed and remembered for her infectious smile, the love she had for her Husband and family and for her sharp sense of humour. She was a devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous where she achieved over 50 years of sobriety and helped to support countless people on their roads to recovery. Geri was predeceased by her Daughter Jacqueline (Juster) Myerson (Malcolm, Matthew & Jason) and Son Normand Juster Jr. Geri leaves behind her loving Husband, Eddie Gilmartin, Daughters, Julie Juster & Don Widmer, Jeannet Juster (Samantha & Rachael), Son, Rick & Louise Juster (Christopher), and many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren from her blended and extended family and friends.

Carol Gilmartin, Rob & Roberta (Roberts) Gilmartin (Tania, Rachel & Eric), Dan Gilmartin & Ann Tasch, Lyn Gilmartin (Jeremy & Breann, Jessica & Jason), Irene & Doug Smith. Grandchildren: Samantha, Rachael, Christopher, Matthew, Jason, Jessica, Jeremy, Eric, Rachel, Tania, Stephanie & Brittany.

Great Grandchildren: Preston, Ariel, Beau, Jacqueline, Hunter, Charley, Eloise, Connor & Lyla.

Heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at George Derby who displayed endless amounts of compassion to Geri during her entire residency.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Geri on Thursday, April 18th at 2:00 PM at Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver BC, a reception to follow onsite. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of BC.

Geri was born in St. Lambert, a small town just south of Montreal. She was one of nine children, right in the middle of six sisters and two brothers.

She left high school to work as a secretary and met my father, Normand, in her late teens. They married and she was a young mother at twenty-one, with the birth of my beautiful sister, Jackie. Sadly, her second child, Little Normand, died at four months old. She never fully recovered from the grief of losing him and began self medicating. Her third child, (me)Julie, was born less that a year after the death of Little Normand and Jeannet followed two years later.

Mom always seemed to be happy, upbeat and fun-loving but alcohol was playing an increasing role in her life. Her son, Richard, was born six years after Jeannet and he was the light of her life.

Mom was always home for us, a great cook, and she made the best chocolate fudge you ever tasted. She loved to be surrounded by young people and all our teenaged friends always found a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on or someone to just listen. But she was drinking regularly. To the point where her oldest daughter told her she would not be welcome at her wedding if she was going to get drunk and embarrass her. Mom’s life changed at that point. She found a twelve step program and never looked back. Her marriage ended but she found new freedom, the admiration and respect of her children and she met the love of her life. When Mom met Eddie Gilmartin, he was dashing, handsome, exciting and romantic. Their first years together were a struggle financially but they had each other and that’s all that mattered. They were very active in their twelve-step program and I know between them, they saved many lives.

Mom got to travel, go dancing, see cities and places she never thought she’d ever see. With Eddie, she got the kind of husband she’d always wanted – someone to dote on her and make her the centre of attention. She also got three additional children, Danny, Robbie and Carol. Mom also acquired a beautiful foster daughter, Irene, who immediately became a welcome part of the family.

Mom’s oldest daughter Jackie died in late winter 1998 and my Mom was at her bedside through her finals days. But Geri never recovered from the grief of losing two childred. She slowly became a recluse and she let her world shrink. In the last few years, her developing dementia made it difficult for her to leave the house. But in the later years of her life her stepdaughter, Carol, my sister, gave her all the care, comfort and support a Mom could want. Mom also had all the love and support of her foster daughter Irene, who was a constant joy in her life. Irene was a blessing to the whole family at the end of Mom’s life, a witness to her final days and calm and caring support to all of us.

Geri’s granddaughter-in-law called her elegant and my mom was always proud of her looks and wanted to make a good and lasting impression. And you did Mom, you did.