Geraldine McElroy

Join us in celebrating the life of unique, adventurous and fiercely loving mother and grandmother, Geraldine "Gerry" McElroy nee Larose, who passed away in her sleep in the early hours of Sunday, March 19, at 89.
Mom never hesitated to take the path less trodden. Fascinated by flying, at 12, she walked 3 hours to the Uplands Airport. She made this walk often, becoming a fixture at the airport. At 14, she did her first solo flight. This was in 1947, a time when few women flew, let alone teenage girls!
After meeting Gerald, flying took a back seat to raising a family. Nine and a half months into marriage, their first daughter arrived. Ten months later came their second child. She didn't stop until we numbered 11. Being a mother was so much a part of Gerry's identity, that she was known as Mom, Ma or Mommy Mac to many more. Everyone was welcomed in her home.
While raising the 11, Mom always worked, and volunteered too. Mom loved nature, and often took us to the lake and camping. Every year for the past couple of decades we joined her at our annual family camping trip, including last summer.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Gerry, and her son Gerry. She is survived and intensely missed by 10 children -- Lori, Sherri, Todd, Gregg, Chris, Kim, Tami, Shaun, Tara and Shannon and 9 grandchildren, Justin, Nouri, Jeremy, Simon, Jessica, Tarkan, Ryan, Dylan and Jayda. She was looking forward to her first great-grandchild, due in a month.
The family are grateful for the healthcare Mom received, especially from Dr. Marie Skinnider.
A celebration of Gerry's full life will be held on Saturday, March 25, from 1 to 4 pm. For details please call 250-727-1019.