Geraldine Vanlerberghe

Geraldine “Gerry” M. Vanlerberghe, age 92, of Escanaba passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 14, 2017.

Gerry was born June 17, 1924 in Escanaba, the daughter of Paul and Genevieve (Mannebach) Waeghe. She attended St. Joseph’s elementary and high school. Gerry graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Milwaukee, receiving a Bachelor of Science  Degree in Nursing and from Northern Michigan University, receiving a Master’s Degree in Education. She worked at St. Francis Hospital as a registered nurse for 21 years and at Bay de Noc Community College as a nursing instructor for 20 years. She retired as Dean of Nursing in 1986.
Gerry was united in marriage to Lawrence “Larry” Vanlerberghe on June 22, 1946 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and was very active in church activities. She served on the Bay de Noc Community College Advisory Board and the St. Francis Hospital Retiree Board. She was a member of the National Square Dance Campers Association and the Merry Mixers Square Dance Club. Gerry enjoyed square dancing and round dancing, sewing, craftwork, camping, traveling and spending winters in Mesa, Arizona.

Gerry is survived by her daughters, Paulette (Jeffrey) Clee of Palm City, FL, Claudette (Dennis) Allingham of Eden Prairie, MN, Genette (Joe) Dehlin of Gladstone, MI, Annette Vanlerberghe of Escanaba, MI and Joanette (Bill) Weese of Galesburg, MI; her son, Gary (Sara) Vanlerberghe of Lebanon, TN; 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; her sisters, Betty Young of Rapid River, MI and Corrine “Queenie” (Melvin) Teal of Bark River, MI; numerous nieces and nephews and her “furry” kids, Ollie and Bailey.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

The family will receive friends on Thursday,  April 20 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Parish prayers will follow at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM  on Friday, April 21 at the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish with Rev. Fr. Brian Gerber officiating.   A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Gerry will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.