Geraldine "Gerri" Ray McTigue

Geraldine "Gerri" McTigue (nee: Ray) passed away on April 4, 2023, at the age of 91. She was a long-time resident of Cleveland, Ohio prior to retirement in Florida. She was predeceased by her dear husband, John (Jack) McTigue. She is survived by her children, James (Cathy), Jacqueline (Karl), Donald (Sherie), and Kathleen (Buddy). Gerri had 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren! She is survived by her sister, Donna Lee Sarda (Michel), and her brother, Donald Ray (Penny).

Gerri graduated from John Marshall High School in 1950, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, and received her certificate in Education from Baldwin Wallace College, then teaching Preschool and First grade in Cleveland’s Tremont area and in Parma. In l976, while still raising her family, she went back to college to get her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

In High School, Gerri began the Panda Club, a group of girls who did many activities together, supported each other, and were lifelong friends. She was the last remaining member.

Gerri joined the Alpha Phi sorority in college and remained an active, lifetime member. She served in many charity organizations.

Gerri loved to travel, go shopping, paint, play cards and games. She planted flowers every year, such as daffodils, hyacinths, geraniums, and tulips. She mostly enjoyed spending time with her family.

Gerri & Jack celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007 by generously hosting the extended family on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Gerri was a PTA President twice and served in the PTA from 1969-1980. She also was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, a Troop Leader for the Girl Scouts, and a Room Mom at school. She was a Softball Manager for a girls’ softball team and won the championship! She always enjoyed being involved with her children’s activities.

Gerri became an award-winning realtor, and Jack received his Ohio Brokerage license and they, together, began a successful Real Estate business in Ohio, McTigue Realty. They liked working together and helping others with their dreams. They worked in real estate until they retired. They retired to Florida to be with their children and grandchildren.

At 88, Gerri became an author, publishing a book in 2020 entitled, The Amazing Power Of Mothers and Why it Matters. Her story was a journey through life to talk to mothers, future mothers, all parents and guardians to open awareness as to how powerful you are in your role as caretaker, nurturer, and shaper of the future.

A Celebration Of Life Memorial will be held at Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home in Deerfield Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Memorial Service from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf of Gerri’s favorite organizations:

www.nationalww2museum.org/give/ways-give

www.cancer.org