Geraldine Cameron Menasco

Geraldine Towne Menasco Geraldine Cameron Menasco passed away June 18, 2013. Geraldine was born August 25, 1924 to Earl and Eloise Towne in Miami, Oklahoma. We knew her as "Gerry". She moved to Southern California with her parents and graduated from Eagle Rock High School near Pasadena, California. Gerry graduated from Stevens College in Missouri and later married Bill Menasco, also from Southern California. They moved to Lakeport in the early 1950s where they owned the Ford dealership. In 1957, Bill and Gerry moved to the south end of Lake County where they owned the Chevrolet-GM franchise in Lower Lake and Clearlake Highlands for many years. Gerry returned to school in her 50s and earned an undergraduate degree in library science from Sonoma State University during the time she served as the librarian for the Redbud branch of Lake County libraries. She was instrumental in the planning of a new library now located in Clearlake. Gerry was active in civic organizations: she was a founding member of the Park Study Club in Clearlake, an active member of California Republican Women, and a long-time member of the Women's Guild at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Gerry was elected to the Konocti School District board of education in the early 1970s and served nearly ten years. After retirement, she enjoyed entertaining family and working her garden while remaining active with her church and civic interests. Gerry lived the past 29 years in Clearlake Oaks. Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband, William, in 1984. She is survived by her children, Michael (Charlotte), Patricia Menasco-Aicale (Rocco) of Clayton, Jim (Marilyn) of Stockton, and Matthew (Shirley) of Novato. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Christopher, Milton, Clinton, Lindsay, Michaela, Vincent, Trevor, and Scott. The family wishes to thank Senior Helper care-givers, Lisa and Melissa; her neighbor, Sabrina; and Gerry's final caregiver, Phil Hayward. A memorial mass for Geraldine will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on July 5, 2013, at 12 p.m. The address is 14435 Uhl Avenue, Clearlake. A reception will follow in the church hall. Donations in Geraldine's honor may be made to Lake County Hospice, 1717 South Main St., Lakeport, CA 95453, and the SPCA, 8025 Hwy 29, Kelseyville, CA 95451.