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ANITA GERRA Obituary
ANITA LITTLE GERRA (Age 89)
On Tuesday, September 16, 2014, of Kensington, MD. Beloved wife of Martin J. Gerra Jr., for 65 loving years; mother of Ellen G. (William) Conner, and Martin "Jay" Gerra; sister of Nona McGillivray, and John H. Little. Also survived by many loving family members and friends. Graveside Service and interment will take place at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Southside, AL. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at Kensington Baptist Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kensington Baptist Church 10100 Connecticut Ave. Kensington, MD 20895 or to the Humane Society of Montgomery County, 14645 Rothgeb Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ANITA GERRA
Sponsored by Her Loving Family-Martin, Ellen and Jay.
Maggie Bruno
September 14, 2021
As i prepared for my Mom's funeral I ran across the pictures of Big Red. I remembered being confused because I had a cat Big Red also. I also remember the cat you gave insulin too. Not many people have the love and affection you did for animals and all of the unfortunate souls. You your truly a blessed person. Much Love to an Endearing Aunt.
Maggie Bruno
September 13, 2020
Aunt Anita, I miss your Southerness you brought to our family. Full of life, uniqueness and love. I'll a;ways remember your welcoming ways.
Martin Gerra
September 13, 2020
Dear Anita: It has been six long years since you left us. We miss you greatly and pray that the Lord has given you peace. May He bless you and keep you in His love.
margaret bruno
October 28, 2019
Although I;m late in responding, your wonderful smile, full of life attitude and love for animals will always stay with me, You were greatly loved and will forever be missed.
Martin Gerra
September 14, 2019
Dear Anita: It has been five years since you left us and we still miss your love. Thank you for the sixty-five years we shared together. May god bless you and keep you. Love, Marty
Ellen (Daughter)
February 28, 2016
Today (2/28/16) would have been Anita's 91st Birthday. Happy Birthday Mom. Love and prayers. Ellen, Jay and Marty
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 17, 2015
Ellen Gerra
October 14, 2015
Ellen Gerra
October 14, 2015
Ellen Gerra
October 14, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 14, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 14, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 14, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 13, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 13, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 13, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 13, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 13, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 13, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 13, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 13, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 13, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 10, 2015
Mom in her Cadet Uniform
Ellen (Daughter)
October 10, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
October 10, 2015
An excerpt from one of Anita's favorite poems and poets: Sidney Lanier.
The Marshes of Glynn V, 7.
As the Marsh-Hen secretly builds in the watery sod,
Behold I will build me a nest on the greatness of God:
I will fly in the greatness of God as the Marsh-Hen flies
In the freedom that fills all the space 'twixt the marsh and the skies.
By so many roots as the marsh-grass sends in the sod
I will heartily lay me a hold on the greatness of God:
Oh, like the greatness of God is the greatness within
The range of the marshes, the liberal marshes of Glynn.
Ellen (Daughter)
October 2, 2015
In Memory of Anita's passing on September 16, 2014. We love you and miss you. Marty, Ellen and Jay
Ellen (Daughter)
May 10, 2015
Here is a bouquet for you, Mom. Happy Mothers Day 2015. Miss you. Love, Ellen
May 2, 2015
Marty,
Just found this on the Internet.
Love and prayers
Andrew (Musetto)
Camellia-One of Mom's favorite flowers
Ellen (Daughter)
February 28, 2015
Today (2/28/2015) would have been Anita's 90th Birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom. Love, Ellen,Jay and Martin
February 2, 2015
February 2, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
February 1, 2015
Ellen (Daughter)
February 1, 2015
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through:
God hath not promised sun without rain,
joy without sorrow, peace without pain,
But God hath promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above,unfailing sympathy,undying love. Excerpt from "What God Hath Promised" by Annie Johnson Flint 1919 & one of Mom's favorite poems.
Anita and Martin
Ellen
February 1, 2015
Mary Blake
October 31, 2014
Dear Marty -- my heart and prayers are with you. Please know that all the Blakes send condolences and are here for you. Warmly, Mary
Ellen Gerra
October 16, 2014
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
We miss you, Mom.
October 14, 2014
October 1, 2014
Nicholas Henderson
September 29, 2014
Mrs. Gerra was a dear friend to my family for my whole life. I vividly recall her watching my brother and I when we were small; we were always well-behaved when Mrs. Gerra was around! I will always remember her with fondness, admiration, and love, and I share my deepest condolences to Mr. Gerra, Ellen, and Jay as they remember and celebrate her extraordinary life.
Mark Addison
September 25, 2014
Cecile and I send our deepest condolences to you all, Marty, Ellen and Jay, at this time of loss. I remember Anita Gerra with great fondness and am grateful for the friendship she gave my mother and me over many years. She kept in touch with me wherever I lived, something that I will never forget. She was generous, thoughtful and kind. I remember always feeling welcome in her house. Whenever we visited, she would always have a plate of something good for us to eat. Our best wishes to you all.
Martin, Martin, Anita
Vidal Salazar
September 24, 2014
My deepest condolences to Martin, Martin, Ellen and Bill. Sending you lots of strength and love.
September 24, 2014
Dear Family and Friends,
Thank you for your condolences and sharing your memories of Mom. There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate her life on Sun. Oct. 26@ 2pm at the Kensington Baptist Church, 10100 Connecticut Ave. Kensington, MD 20895 . Reception will follow. We hope to see you there. Ellen
Susan Sheaffer
September 23, 2014
I remember the day the Gerras moved next door to us, some 60+ years ago. Anita was a second mother to me from that point on, and one of my mother's best friends for life. There is no time in my life when she was not present and an active part of it. When I'd drive home to Va. after visiting, she'd call to make sure I got home okay, even when I was in my 50s and 60s. I loved it! I will miss her like I miss my own mother.
Special memories from Martin & Anita's 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration
Paula Van Laanen
September 22, 2014
Margaret Bruno
September 22, 2014
Of all the things that I could say, I must say that Aunt provided a clarity in life not affected by the pressures of society. She loved life for it's beauty, attended to the ill as if they were her own and loved my Uncle unconditionally. Her heart was open to all gods creatures with a purity that is so rare today. I loved her with all my heart and will miss her charming smile, calming words and refreshing perspectives. Her life was full of good will for which she expected nothing in return. May her legacy live on.
Morgan Henderson
September 22, 2014
Mrs. Gerra was always a close friends of the Henderson family, and I - we all - have very fond memories of her. We will miss her.
Lillian & Chet Marcucci
September 22, 2014
My Aunt Anita was a very special woman! Although I didn't see her often, she always made me feel comfortable and very welcomed. She had a special way of getting her point across in a conversation.
My Aunt was very intelligent and a delight to be around. She will be missed by many. My love and prayers go out to Uncle Marty, Jay, Ellen and Bill.
September 21, 2014
Dear Marty, I am so sorry to learn of the death of your Mom. My heart goes out to you at this very sad time.
Most sincerely,
Bill Pfeiffer, Jr., Kansas City, MO
Anita Gerra
September 21, 2014
Emily Robinson
September 21, 2014
I met Anita in the early 1960's when I started a Girl Scout troop at Kensington Elementary School and Anita volunteered to be the troop nurse. Her children and mine had lots of connections over the years. And Anita joined my DAR chapter later on, giving us many times to be together and go to events. I will miss her very much.
Andre Henderson
September 20, 2014
Mrs. Gerra was part of our family long before I was born, and she was also my great-godmother. She was always friendly and kind, even when us "kids" weren't on the best of form. She always had a joke ready, and she said what she thought and meant what she said. She'll be greatly missed.
Chris de Boinville
September 20, 2014
It was with a great deal of sorrow that I learned of Anita's death.. I'm blessed to have know her (not only) as one of many "adopted" mothers I'm so fortunate to have had; but as an inspiring and encouraging clinical advocate as well.
When she and Marty had Jay and Ellen they blessed me with two very close lifelong friends!
September 20, 2014
Douglas and Ianthe McWilliams send their love and sympathy. Barbara Bowie- Whitman would like to express her sincere condolences as well.
Ian Henderson
September 20, 2014
There was nothing small about Anita Little: she was larger than life. The world is diminished by her absence.
Helen Henderson
September 19, 2014
I met Anita 60 years ago when I was four years old. So many happy memories of vacations and gatherings at the Gerras house or at the house of one of the group of friends of which my parents, David and Janet de Boinville, were a part. She was like my second mother, unique and unforgettable, and will be missed always.
Dave Williams
September 19, 2014
I was saddened to hear of Anita's passing and wish to extend my condolences to Martin, Ellen and Jay. She was such fun to be around growing up in Kensington - her laugh, twinkle in her eyes, the southern drawl and charm - always glad to see me and others and full of great stories. Never forget the one of her skiing backwards downhill with my mom. May she rest in peace and know she had a fan in me!
Bryan and Barbara de Boinville
September 19, 2014
We deeply mourn the death of Anita Gerra. She was someone we've both known for many years - in my case, [Bryan] for nearly sixty years. She was a wonderful friend, neighbor and mother, and our sense of loss is immense. Our condolences and very best wishes go out to the extraordinary Gerra family -- Martin, Jay, Ellen, and Bill -- as they begin to adjust to the new reality without her. We send them our love.
Tim Leggett
September 19, 2014
I did not know Anita in person. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet her. She raised a wonderful and kind man as a son. This speaks volumes about how wonderful she must have been.
Susanna Henderson
September 19, 2014
I have such nice memories of Mrs. Gerra. She had a wonderful laugh and always made me feel welcome and right at home when I visited Calvend Lane. I always enjoyed sitting down and having a good chat and had such fun when she finally convinced me to watch "Gone with the Wind". My thoughts are with you all. Love, Susanna H.
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Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901
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