Magdalene Gerrish

You are a true Tucson original, Godspeed Ms. Gerrish.

I met Magdalene in 1978 while training a few doors down at Lion Park's Tae Kwon Do. Some of us would go over after working out and she was like a mom to us. Once I told her the Szechuan Beef wasn't spicy enough so she asked "how spicy you want" and I told her to hurt me. She accepted the challenge. After that I always got a small bowl of hot chili paste on the side. She definitely had a Black Belt work ethic. Then there were the waitresses always trying to marry each other off. In 1991 I...

We only learned of Magdalene's passing last night, at that "other restaurant" across the street. Janice Furer, owner and head honcho of Bonnets Stems and Accessories (a plumbing supply store), passed away 20 April 2010, only two weeks after Magdalene. Although she was a *little* younger, both of these tough, independent ladies made their way in Tucson and made Tucson a better place by their business savvy and no-nonsense approach to their work and their customers. Reliable plumbing parts...

Theresa,Mark,and Andy, I was saddenned to hear of your loss. Magdalene was a very bright lady who took on many hats. My mother was Director of Nursing at St. Mary's Hospital since 1971, and really enjoyed working with your mother. Everytime we were watching TV and her commercial came on my mother would always say That's my friend, she was a nurse first!!!!! We would only say Yes mother we know. Through our years at Salpointe, and many occasions at the restaurant, we have always been friends....

Andy, Theresa and Mark.. I am so sorry for your loss.. She was an amazing woman and I know she is at peace.. Sincerely, Dannette Welsh Finley

Andy, Teresa, Mark & the whole Gerrish family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was a very sweet lady. She also must of been a saint to put up with the stuff we did back then.

God Bless,
Duff

Dear Andy, Theresa, & Markie-
I too, remeber learning how to make dumplings in your Mom's kitchen.
I am so Happy that our Mom's became so close and both being Nurses, they "told it like it is!" Together, they were never short on advice.
I pray that they are now together laughing & dancing!
I have alot of great memories of growing up with all of you and they will last forever.
God Bless-
Cyd Caldwell-Gomez

To the Gerrish Family, I always enjoyed your Mom. My business (Barber Shop) was two doors from hers. She was a nice lady and no matter how busy she was, she always took the time to visit and had a way of making everyone feel special. She was so proud of you!