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Geraldine (Gerry) Marie Bedrin, 76, of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 12, 2021. 257 days ago Gerry was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer. She fought everyday until the very end, succumbing to stage 4 terminal metastatic disease.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on December 20, 1944, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Stefania Stella Yankowski Stavish. Gerry was a graduate of Wilkes-Barre Township High School, Class of 1962. She continued her education graduating from College of Misericordia, Dallas, PA with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Class of 1966. Gerry began her career at Graham Park Junior High, Triangle, VA where she taught for 10 years. During this time she enjoyed traveling the country, photography and cross country skiing. Gerry gave birth to her son Matthew Georgory, November 14, 1975. Shortly after, Gerry and Matthew’s father, George, made the decision to move from the city to a small town onto a 14-acre farm in Moretown, Vermont. On November 28, 1977, she gave birth to her daughter, Stephanie Julia. Gerry spent 20 years teaching middle school social studies at Harwood Union, Moretown, VT. While working and raising her children, she managed a small farm and coached the middle school cross-country ski team. Gerry’s love of teaching led her to pursue her Master in Education Degree, University of Vermont. Gerry touched so many lives both in and out of the classroom. Her love of teaching inspired countless students throughout the course of her career. In 1997 Gerry retired from Vermont education and relocated to Moreland, Georgia where she returned to teaching middle school for another 15 years. Gerry continued traveling, cooking and entertaining with those she loved. Gerry retired from teaching for the second time and decided to fulfill a lifetime dream of living by the ocean and moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with her partner, Doris Bryant.
Gerry’s love of the ocean was just one of many passions. She loved snow skiing, photography, trivia, cooking and her 4 grandchildren. She always loved animals, owning many beloved pets both domestic and farm life, including Molly, Sadie, Amos, Milo and Max. Gerry’s smile was always radiant and would light up any room with her love of family and friends.
Gerry was preceded in death by the following siblings and their spouses, Jeanne and Stanley Honnis; Stanley and Mary Stavish; Leona and Michael Kerchanin; Florence and William Verburg; Leo Stavish; Lawrence Stavish; Joseph Wozniak; Richard and Barbara Stavish; Peter Pilch. She is survived by her children Mathew G. Bedrin (Portland, Oregon) and Stephanie J. Wilson (Sharpsburg, Georgia). In addition her son-in-law Brian M. Wilson; grandchildren, Olivia (10), Gabriel (8), Benjamin (5) and Elijah (3); sisters Dolores Wozniak, Dolores Stavish, Marie Pilch and brother Edward Stavish; along with many many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. And her beloved dogs, Janie and Rose.
The family extends sincere thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff of Compassus Hospice, Inc. for the grace and kindness they provided in caring for Gerry in her final days at home. Gerry was blessed with “amazing family”, “devoted friends” and “wonderful neighbors” who continuously checked in, provided love and support throughout her lifetime. Gerry was thought of as family by many, especially her best friend Beth Green. The family will take some time to process and grieve the sudden loss of their beloved Gerry.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later time. In memory of Gerry the family wishes that a donation be made in her memory to Ocean Conservancy, Washington, D.C., www.oceanconservancy.org.
“I have had a lifelong love of the ocean. Going to the beach has brought me peace, no matter how turbulent the waves of my life have been.” ~Gerry Bedrin (12/16/2020)
The Bedrin family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville. Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.
AJ Mangarelli says
Prayers during this time. Just know we are here for you. We love you guys. Praying
Janet says
Knowing Gerry was a gift. She made the world a better place. I miss her terribly but she will live on in so many ways.
Pamela Sharkey says
Thankyou for this beautiful tribute. Our condolences to my dear cousins Stephanie and Mathew and to all who shared her love and friendships. Although our hearts are saddened today please know that the memories we share will live within our hearts forever. Godspeed Dear Aunt. All our love.
Maggie says
My sincere sympathies for the loss of Gerry, She always had a great smile sharing her pictures with her puppies, family and friends, I shall miss that. Love and prayers.
Cindi Honnis Furman says
A beautiful tribute to an exceptional person . Stephanie and Matthew you had a wonderful Mom. This is difficult to accept but she is at peace . All the memories you share will help you in the future . Rest In Peace Aunt Gerry !
Larraine Stavish (Lueddeke) says
My heartfelt condolences to Stephanie and Matthew, Doris Bryant and Aunt Gerry’s extended family. So many wonderful childhood memories of you. Playing cards in Aunt Leona’s kitchen, banging pots & pans on New Year’s Eve, our summer of ‘65 to name but a few. I’m thankful we reconnected in later years as if no time had passed. Your family has honored your life with a beautiful, loving tribute. May a lifetime of love and memories help to bring peace to everyone. You’re on a new adventure now, Aunt Gerry, Godspeed.💜
Susan Pelley says
Gerry touched so many people in her life. I was privileged to have shared her love, her friendship, her family. She lived life to the fullest whether teaching, x-c skiing, sawing down a Christmas tree, camping on the ocean, or traveling. May she now Rest In Peace. ♥️
Cindy Adams says
Many prayers to the family.
Carol and Jim Pitts says
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Matt, Stephanie, Brian, Olivia, Gabriel, Benjamin, Elijah, Doris and Beth. You all enriched her life as she did yours. The friendship-sisterhood with Gerry brought our daughter, Beth, much comfort, joy and cherished memories of wonderful times over many years. The loss of one so dear leaves a void no other can fill. May you all find peace and solace in the grief as you experience gratitude in Gerry’s release from her suffering. We extend our love and prayers to you all in the missing of your mother, grandmother, partner and best friend.
Vicki Cochran says
I was privileged to work with Gerry
at East Coweta Middle School for several years. She had a great talent for teaching!
She had the ability to bring history
to life, always making the lessons she taught interesting.
Please accept my condolences.
Beth Cafaro says
Gerry was an amazing, passionate, and caring woman. I will miss her smile and wit. Prayers for her family. 🙏🙏🙏
Debra Jones says
I had the privilege of working with Gerry for many years at ECMS. She was a very talented teacher, and was loved by all her students and fellow Co-workers. It was an honor to know & love Gerry. She will be missed by all. Our Condolences to her family and friends.
Elizabeth Anne Andrews says
I shared Gerry’s love of animals & the ocean. She was a nice friend though I didn’t know her very long. I pray for all who knew her loved her that they feel the sense of peace that is available to them.
Sarah Klein says
As a first year teacher at ECMS, I was fortunate enough to be placed on the same team as Gerry. What a blessing she was! I will miss her smile and laugh, though I will remember the fun times we had at True Blood watch parties at her home and going on opening night to see all of the Twilight movies. She was a true gem! I wish her family much peace.
Holly Eimer says
I had the privilege of being Gerry’s coworker and teammate at ECMS for many years. Upon her retirement, I began teaching in her position and she so graciously shared everything with me so I’d be well prepared. I (and her students) especially loved when she would dress up for special lessons to introduce and engage students, greeting them at the door dressed from head to toe! She was a treasure who will truly be missed.
jolyn joslin says
I was an experienced elementary teacher when I came to Harwood (In Vermont) but had never taught middle school social studies. She became not only my mentor, but my good friend, inside of teaching as well as outside. We spent many days on cross country trails with her leading the way, me attempting to keep up! She was quite the athlete. I was still a substitute teacher when Steph was born so my claim to fame became that I substituted when Steph came into the world. Even though Gerry moved away, we stayed in touch over the years and I was pleased to see her SO happy on the water, with her dogs. Thinking of you, Steph and Matt.
Toni Wallace says
Thoughts and prayers to Doris, Beth, family members and friends. Gerry was a very unique person and loved by many.
Charlie Parker says
I never would have met Gerry and Doris except for those dang dogs… You see I was their mailman.. Yip yip bark bark but we trained most of them (that’s MOST) to sit for a treat. Then, even better, a good friend….and eventually I was allowed to join their trivial pursuit team (they needed a history major)..Joy, laughter, and a grin which could light up a room…The world is now less but our memories are now better because of you Gerry. Peace dear friend…