Geraldine (Gerry) Richens, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at home in the early morning hours on Saturday, October 10, 2015. Gerry leaves behind, first and foremost, her faithful and loving husband of 65 years, Vernon Richens, who cared for her throughout her struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
Gerry was the mother of three children: Stephen and his wife Kimberly of Sumter, SC; Susan Haladay and her husband Michael of New Britain, PA; and Victoria Lening and her husband Fred of Ottsville, PA. She was a loving grandmother to Tia Renee Richens, and Eric Eitelgeorge. She was also a step-grandmother to; Stephen Haladay (and Gwynne) and Alex Haladay; Keith Eitelgeorge, married to Signa, child Sydney & Kelly Horvath, child Heather Reichard and child Tyler. Most recently she became a great-grandmother to Sage Eitelgeorge, daughter of Eric Eitelgeorge and Nicole Hall. She also has two step-great grandchildren; Natalya and Dimitri, children of Stephen and Gwynne Haladay.
Gerry was born on July 28, 1930, to Harold and Lillian Clark, in Philadelphia, Pa. Gerry did not have any brothers and sisters; however she had many aunts, uncles and cousins.
In addition to being a wife and mother, Gerry volunteered her time in many ways, including Philadelphia Biblical University, St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital, and was also involved in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with her children.
Gerry and Vern loved to square dance and they competed on local, state and national levels. They enjoyed traveling, visiting such places as Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Gerry’s love for the shore is evidenced by their permanent residence in Ship Bottom, NJ, and their winter residence in Estero, FL, which is near Ft Myers.
Gerry also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking and listening to music, her favorite being Gospel/Country.
Gerry and Vern have been members of Manahawkin Baptist Church for 25 years. The family has chosen this location for a memorial service to celebrate her life on Saturday, October 17th, at 2:00 PM. Those who knew and loved her are invited to join in this celebration of her life. There will be a reception at the church immediately following the service in Fellowship Hall, refreshments provided. (Address is listed below)
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gerry’s memory to either:
Missions Committee, Manahawkin Baptist Church, 400 Beach Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ, 08050.
Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718, Ph: 800-227-2345
Donate online at: www.cancer.org/donate (Specify Breast Cancer)
Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin was entrusted with the arrangements.
For online condolences, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com .
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