Geraldine “Gerry” Vivian Hair, nee Vork, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2019, with family members at her bedside. She was born in Sandstone, Minnesota on March 20, 1921. She and her family took an event filled month long move to Ventura when she was around two years old. They lived in Wheelers Hot Springs for several years before relocating to Oak View. With the help of friends and family, her father built a home on Mountain View Street with a beautiful view overlooking the Ventura River. They continued to spend summers at Wheelers Hot Springs.
She married the love of her life, Dr. Charles M. Hair M.D., who lived on Forest Drive in the Oaks in Santa Paula. In 1942, Charles would drive over the Dennison Grade to court Gerry, who was very popular with the boys. He considers himself lucky to have been the one who would eventually win her love. He is extremely thankful for her role in raising their five children: John Hair, Cheryl Cohn, Steve Hair, Suzanne Chandler, and Patrick Hair. Charles, who has had a highly successful career in medicine and county, state and federal medical politics realizes that he could not have accomplished this without her always being by his side throughout their 77 years of marriage encouraging, supporting, and loving him. Her nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren loved her dearly, and she cherished her time with them.
She is the daughter of Harold and Frances Vork. Her father, was recognized throughout Ventura County as an outstanding horseman and Gerry rode from a very early age, helping her father trail horses throughout the Sespe. Her mother cooked for the fish camp which packed into the back country from Wheelers. She was the oldest of five children; Betty Brobiski, Don Vork, Lester Vork, and her only surviving sibling, Jim Vork.
Gerry was one of the very first cheerleaders at Ventura High School. She was awarded a scholarship in art at Woodbury College and was an accomplished artist of current women’s style specializing in designing hats. During that time she worked at The Broadway where she was assigned to research what competing stores were selling and at what prices. She inherited much of her artistic talent from both her mother and father.
In 1946, Charles was serving in the army in Europe. Gerry boarded a train with her two infant children aged one and a half years and six months old and traveled across the country. They then sailed across the Atlantic, eventually joining Charles in Salzburg, Austria, where they lived for a year. During the voyage son, John, came down with the mumps and Cheryl the measles. It was an amazing feat for a young woman. After raising their children, Charles and Gerry were fortunate to travel the world together and have shared many exciting adventures.
Her children all have fond remembrances of their loving mother. Cheryl will always remember her kindnesses and caring eyes. Steve recalls her as someone who had a way of making him feel special during his various health issues. She empowered him to persevere and overcome obstacles, such as swimming, cotillion, and scouting. Her warm and infectious smile lives on forever.
Gerry always put her family’s needs ahead of her own. She was her family’s historian, who related many stories about their Dutch descendants. She also had a vast knowledge of Ventura County history. At many social functions, people would gather around her and listen in awe to her recollections of early goings on in Ventura, Ojai, and Oak View. She would invariably be peppered with questions.
Gerry, a gracious woman of faith, was baptized in the Dutch Reform Church. She later attended Oak View Baptist Church. She and Charles have been long time members of the Saticoy Congregational Church which later became the Church of the Foothills in Ventura. They are deeply indebted to the church for guiding them through the many good times and those that have been more challenging. Many lasting friendships have been formed with fellow church members.
Gerry was community minded, serving on several Ventura County organizations, including 40 Leaguers, Saticoy Poinsettia Club, PEO, National Charity League, and Ventura County Medical Society Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing golf at Saticoy Country Club with her friends and husband for many years.
Gerry cherished the children of Saticoy. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout leader. Kids would often hang around the Hair household in hopes she would invite them for dinner, which often paid off for them because she was a wonderful cook.
Her family wishes to thank Livingston Memorial Nurse Association & Hospice for their gentle, attentive care through her recent illness.
A Celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003, on Friday, March 22, 2019, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Santa Paula Cemetery, in Santa Paula. All are welcome to attend the reception in Honor of Gerry.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Livingston Memorial Nurse Association & Hospice, 1996 Eastman venue, Suite 101, Ventura, CA 93003. (805) 642-0239.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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