Gerry was born and raised in Tucson Arizona. She attended the University of Arizona, where she was a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta. Gerry moved to Garden Grove in 1976 when her former husband, Francis R. Kessler, was appointed Chief of Police of the Garden Grove Police Department. Immediately upon her arrival, Gerry began participating in numerous Garden Grove community service groups, many of which she later assumed a leadership role in. In addition to serving as a Director and President of the Strawberry Festival Association, Gerry also served as President of the Assistance League, President of the Garden Grove Girls Club, Director of the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce, and a Disney Community Service Awards judge. Her long history of community service was honored in 1982 when the Chamber of Commerce named her as its “Woman of the Year.” Gerry worked as an interior decorator, and later opened up her own consignment shop on Garden Grove’s Main Street. After she retired, she enjoyed spending time with her close friends, children and grandchildren.
Gerry is survived by her brother, Robert Abbott and wife, Marilyn; her son, Robert Kessler and wife, Melissa; her daughter, Robin Eifler; her daughter, Rebecca Menton and husband Joe; and her three grandchildren, Megan Peitsch, Christopher Eifler and Joseph Menton.
A viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. on May 27, 2014, at Pacific View Memorial Park, located at 3500 Pacific View Drive in Corona Del Mar. A memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m., followed by a brief graveside service.
It is requested that in lieu of sending flowers, a donation be sent to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove. Donations may be made online at www.bgcgg.org/makeadonation (in the comment section, please type in “Gerry Kessler Memorial.”) Donations may also be mailed to Pat Halberstadt, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove, 10540 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840 (please reference “Gerry Kessler Memorial”on your check.)
Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.
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