Geraldine M. Crane

Geraldine (Gerry) Crane nee Czapla (82) was born on January 11, 1936 and passed away peacefully on April 9, 2018. Preceded by parents John and Genevive Czapla and sisters Mary Ellen and Joan Tillman (d. Frank). Left to cherish her memory are best friend and life partner of 53 years, Brenda Mougey; brother John Crane (Donna) and many nephews and nieces, especially Julie Tillman; and her chosen family, Jeannette Harrison and Gail Snewin.

Retired after 35 years with the United States Department of Defense, served as Director, Defense Security Service, Personnel Investigation Center, Maryland and Director, Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office, Columbus, Ohio.

Although she received numerous awards and tributes for her government service including the Department of Defense Award for Meritorious Civilian Service; perhaps, the honor that touched her most was receiving the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award bestowed by her high school, Chicago Vocational School, in a special ceremony.

Gerry was devoted to her family and those fortunate to be her friend.

She enjoyed watching all sports and was an avid bowler and tennis player. She also enjoyed reading and watching animal, travel and adventure shows! She loved travelling; having visited all 50 states, England and, she especially enjoyed island cruising, and the beaches of South Carolina and Florida. When asked her favorite State she always said she loved Alaska so much that she traveled there twice.

For the past two years, she fought a courageous battle against Lymphoma and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Throughout, she maintained her strong faith, sense of humor and kindness for all.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Drs. Stone, Maher and Blair with specific appreciation to the RN’s and nursing staff on 7 Yellow, Riverside Hospital, and to the staff at Kobacker House who provided warm, compassionate and skilled care. Sincere appreciation, also, to Sara J. Williams who provided invaluable loving support and care this past year.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Bethel International United Methodist Church, 1220 Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220 on June 23, 2018 at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gerry’s name to Bethel International United Methodist Church or Kobacker House.

Gerry believed that to have a good life you must pray often, work hard and laugh a lot. She had a good life!

Services have been entrusted to Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. Please visit www.schoedinger.com for more information and to leave memories and condolences.