Geralyn M. Voorhis

Gerry was born July 9, 1962 to her very loving parents, Ralph and Lois Schroeder and was raised in the Twp. of Washington. Growing up, Gerry attended the Westwood Regional School District and was a graduating member of the class of 1980.

It was also in High School that Gerry would meet her future husband Jim and would soon become husband and wife on June 9, 1984. This coming June, they would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.

During their young married life, Gerry and Jim purchased a home and would settle down in Westwood. Soon after, Gerry became an active member and served as former President of the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for approximately 35 years. In addition, they both knew that Westwood was the perfect town to raise a family and a town where they would make so many wonderful friends.

Gerry attended the Berkeley College and graduated with an Associate Degree in Fashion Merchandising. Shortly after graduation, she went on to work for Liz Claiborne in Secaucus and North Bergen, NJ. She held the title of Senior Sample Coordinator, and held that position for 28 years until the company was ultimately dissolved. After taking some time off, Gerry re-entered back into the work force, taking a position as a Senior Administrator Associate with PSE&G where Gerry remained actively employed prior to becoming ill.

Gerry and Jim are two very proud parents of both Nicole and Jimmy. Nicole, a successful Registered Nurse, in New York City, and Jimmy a Junior at St Joseph's, Montvale, as well as a junior member of the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department. Both of their children were fortunate to be raised by two very loving, and caring parents. Gerry was the center of their universe and her world revolved around everything they did. She was a great mother, their warrior, their confidant. She was forever proud of their accomplishments. She would pick them up when they would stumble, and raise them high on their achievements.

Gerry was involved as a class parent at Assumption Academy, Emerson, Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Park Ridge, and served as a parent volunteer at Immaculate Heart Academy, Twp of Washington. In addition to her active daily life, Gerry enjoyed spending quality time with her family making so many wonderful memories with numerous visits to the Jersey Shore, St. Maarten, Naples, Orlando and Marco Island, Florida.

All while pursuing her career and raising her family, Gerry managed it all. Whether it be work, school, or Fire Department related, you could always count on Gerry. When you asked her for help you needed to look no further. She took on any project, event and fundraiser no matter how big or small....it simply didn't matter. Gerry hit the ground running! She was a go-getter- a do-er, a leader! She did it all and she did it with grace, class and always a smile! There were no flaws in her details, she was a PERFECTIONIST!

Gerry was always giving a lending hand to those in need, going the extra mile, always to be counted on, or included in. She was a giver, rarely a taker, and frayed upon any type of recognition. She did it all, stepped out of the spotlight and never ever expected anything in return.

Gerry maintained a beautiful home. She took pride in keeping it meticulous. Depending upon the season, it was always very festive. It was decorated with warmth, love and you couldn't help to smile and say "WOW"... your home looks great! She took pride it in all...her family, her home! She had a great sense of fashion style, always immaculate, simply stunning!

"GOD TOOK A PRECIOUS SOUL AND WE WONDER WHY, WE DO NOT HAVE THE ANSWERS, WE LOOK UP, WE CRY! HEAVEN IS HER HOME NOW AND GERRY IS AT PEACE, SHE IS WITH HER MOTHER, AND SHE IS THERE FOR KEEPS. FEAR NOT WHERE YOU ARE GOING, OR WHAT SHOULD LIE AHEAD, FOCUS CLEARLY ON EACH OTHER AND THE LOVE THAT YOU ALL SPREAD!