Geraldine "Gerry" Courtney

Geraldine "Gerry" Marguerite Nash Courtney 92, passed away peacefully in Johns Creek, Georgia on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born on April 13, 1930, in Frackville, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Helen (Butswinkas) and William B. Nash. Gerry graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls, also known at Girls' High School in 1947-with the motto Vincit qui se vincit (she conquers who conquers herself). Throughout her life, she always praised and drew from the amazing education she received. During her 75th High School Reunion, she was able to sing her high school song, remembering every word.

During her younger years, her high energy and lively spirit was evident as her auburn hair blew in the wind while riding her Indian motorcycle. During these years, travel and exploring the world intrigued her. She would work in her parent's business-The Robin Hood Diner in Robbinsville, NJ bringing laughter and fun to all those who stopped for a "home-cooked" meal.

As the years followed Dick Courtney came inside and swept her off her feet! The courtship was fast and furious! The family grew quickly and moved to Medford Lakes, NJ. As a long-time resident of Medford Lakes, Gerry had the opportunity to become an integral part of the community. She loved being a Girl Scout Leader, a CCD teacher at St. Mary's of the Lakes, President of the PTA at Neeta School, and cooking for anyone who needed a meal. Gerry was also a feature writer for both the Courier Post and Central Record newspapers writing the local social event columns. Gerry enjoyed tennis (had a great back-hand) and swimming with her children, especially at Beach 3! She was so proud she was able to offer her children the wonderful opportunities Medford Lakes provided. She always remarked that it was such a great place to raise a family. The ocean fascinated Gerry and during the summer, she would take her family to Ship Bottom on Long Beach Island almost weekly.

After her husband passed away, she worked as a hostess at the Indian Chief and Harry's Restaurant and drove the special needs bus for children. Then, at age 55, she completed her LPN degree and immediately began working at Ancora Hospital in NJ supporting patients with severe needs. During that time, she had the opportunity to travel with the nursing program visiting hospitals in Russia, Poland and Lithuania exchanging information and goodwill! She even got a chance to use her ability to speak Lithuanian. With a facility for languages, Gerry would speak and write Lithuanian with her grandmother, mother and her aunts and uncles. She also learned Spanish for a trip to Mendoza, Argentina with her oldest daughter so she was able to connect and spread her positive energy.

After her children grew and "left the nest" she moved to Rehobeth Delaware. She immediately connected with the members of her community and joined the American Legion Unit #28 and later became Auxiliary Vice President and Community Service Chairman in the organization always bringing her energy and positivity to the various events. Her tremendous love of her country was evident in the many activities she created for the Post as well as regularly serving at the voting polls.

Gerry loved fun and took "clowning" around seriously becoming Firefly, a professional clown garbed in a vibrant yellow and orange costume and a unique painted face that exuded happiness and joy. She shared her love of life, delighting children at their birthday parties.

A voracious reader, Gerry would check out four or five books from the library each week. Her daughters noticed that every time she completed a book, she would write her initials in the book. This helped her keep track of all the books she read! We still wonder if the librarian knew!! She loved words and could be found doing crosswords and various word puzzles to keep her mind sharp and expand her vocabulary at all hours of the day and night. Her family would always bring her new books and puzzle books when they visited.

For her last 10 years of life, Gerry lived with her children and then at rSt Ives Memory Care in John's Creek Ga. Geraldine the Queen was well cared for with her family by her side when she peacefully passed.

Gerry is survived by her five children Karen Burke (late Patrick) of Gorham, ME, Geraldine Janssen of Atco, NJ, Erin Courtney of Reidsville, NC, Kelly Hillyer (John) of Johns Creek, GA, and Michael Courtney of Rehoboth, DE. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Gerry was predeceased by her husband and champion, Richard J. Courtney, and her parents Helen and William Nash.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer.