Remembering Gerry (November 26, 1922-May 22, 2011)

Sunday, May 22, 2011 marked the sad end of an era in the Marshall Family.

Geraldine Hope Fulkerth Marshall ("Gerry," or "Granny") had been at the Panorama City C&R center in Lacey, Washington since May 18, following what appears to have been a stroke. Her beloved husband of 67 years, Eldon Marshall, and Gerry's four children - Steve, Anne, Sue and Scott - were at her side to hold her hand and provide comfort in her last days.

Gerry's suffering ended peacefully during the early morning hours of May 22nd, but our grief intensified as we started to realize the deep loss. Eldon sadly reflected on the the "huge void" in his life at an intimate family chapel gathering Sunday morning. His adoration for Gerry was heartbreaking and touching, calling her "sweetheart" right up to the end.

What can you say to accurately and artfully capture Gerry's 88 years (November 26, 1922-May 22, 2011)? Taking inspiration from Gerry herself - who so loved puzzles, creative expression and handiwork - we are weaving together a tapestry of memories, stories and photographs. Please share your own comments, photos, and memories below.

Early Life

Gerry was born and raised in Pullman, Washington and was the oldest of two girls. She met Eldon in high school when she was a senior and he was a sophomore. Four years after their first date, they married in a double-wedding on September 25, 1944, right before Eldon went overseas for World War II. Earlier that year, Gerry graduated from Washington State College in 1944 with a BA in Business.

Life in Olympia

Gerry and Eldon moved to Seattle after he returned from the war and eventually they settled in Olympia where they have been ever since. Gerry kept busy raising their four children and eventually took a job at the Washington Department of Social and Health Services - Health Education Division once her youngest started school. But that wasn't enough! Gerry spent countless hours volunteering for a number of non-profits, including the YWCA, the PTA, the League of Women Voters and the AAUW. She was quite active in the Methodist Church and enjoyed PEO for many years. Gerry and Eldon were active and well-known in Olympia for many years.

Gerry's children grew up and eventually married, but all four of them stayed in the area. Steve married Jeanyne (Burleson) Marshall, and they had three children: Stephanie (Marshall) Hicks, Jeanette (Marshall) Petersen, and Leslie (Marshall) Lewallen. Steve and Jeanyne live in Mercer Island, Washington. Their children and spouses live in Washington (Jeanette and Kurt Petersen), Oregon (Stephanie and Peter Hicks) and Illinois (Leslie and Brian Lewallen). Nine of Gerry's ten great-grandchildren are from this family! They include Matthew, Joseph, Lauren and Samuel Hicks, Brandon and Hailey Petersen, and Jackson, Charles and Henry Lewallen.

Anne (Marshall) O'Rourke is married to Michael O'Rourke and they live in Olympia, Washington. Anne's two children Amelia (Ami) (Gross) Forsberg and Nicholas (Nick) Gross also live in the area. Ami's daughter Liliana Belle (Lily) Forsberg is another one of the great-grandchildren loved so much by Gerry.

Susan (Marshall) Swenson and her husband, Jon Swenson, live in Tacoma, Washington. Susan has two daughters, Jana Swenson and Erika Swenson. Jana lives in Washington and Erika is in Southern California.

Scott Marshall and his wife, Mary Jo (Matriotti) Marshall, live in Seattle, Washington. Scott's children, David (Dave) Marshall, Margaret (Meg) Marshall and Elizabeth (Beth) Marshall live in Seattle, as well.

Interests

This large extended family - 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren - occupied a lot of Gerry's time. She absolutely loved visiting them, or having the kids come to her home. Gerry enjoyed hosting Christmas dinner for as many as they could fit around the dining room table, until just a few years ago!

Aside from her dedication to and enjoyment of her large family, Gerry loved traveling, quilting, knitting, sewing, playing bridge, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, gardening, animals, collecting, golfing and genealogy. She was so creative and smart! Gerry read voraciously, too. She always enjoyed a good book, and the newspaper.


Favorite Memories

Gerry said that one of her favorite times with her grandchildren was when she and Eldon would visit and the kids saw them arrive. She absolutely lived for seeing the young faces light up, and of course, receiving the hugs! Gerry also loved having the growing children measure themselves against her.

She most relished the role of being a grandmother. As she said a few years ago, "Being a Granny is a privilege that I cherish and one of the best things that has happened to me in my life."

As a child myself, I enjoyed sitting at the kitchen table with Gerry and Eldon (Granny and Grandpa) talking about their lives, learning about their past and reminiscing. With Eldon's photography and Gerry's genealogy, we'd always find out a great deal about our ancestors, which only served to help strengthen the bonds of the family.