Geraldine R. Mathews

1931 - 2025

Geraldine R. Mathews

Deerfield, NH - The world lost a special soul with the passing of Geraldine Rossé Mathews (July 24, 1931- August 2, 2025). Born into humble beginnings, she lost her mother at an early age, and through good fortune, her father had the prescience to send her to boarding school. High Mowing school, with its eponymous vistas, atop Abbott Hill in rural Wilton New Hampshire, was a literal breath of fresh air for young Geraldine from New York City. High Mowing would become a touchstone of her life. It was there she was introduced to a wonderfully diverse education, nurtured by caring teachers and mentors that opened new worlds to her young mind.

It was at a school dance that she met her future husband, a dashing and decorated Army Air Corps pilot, that cut a handsome figure in his leather flight jacket. He had come to visit a friend of Geraldine's, but there was no denying their attraction to each other. They soon wed and embarked on starting a family business, and raising a family, on Boston's south shore. On a weekend drive through the New Hampshire countryside, they fell in love with a charming Cape Cod-style home in Deerfield, and purchased it on the spot. The old one-room schoolhouse on the property became their workshop where they worked long hours side by side, handcrafting exquisite custom shoes, but there was always time for a family breakfast picnic at Pleasant Lake, or hosting the local 4-H club, neighborhood Halloween parties and community get-togethers.

"Gerry" graciously, and tirelessly entertained all of the extended family that were drawn to their idyllic country home. Taking in nieces and nephews for the summer became the norm, as she became their second "mother". She always had a large bottle of Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel at hand, for the inevitable scrapes and bruises, especially with horses involved, that didn't require a trip to the country doctor.

Life took another unexpected turn when a derelict farmstead across town, came up for sale. They, of course, jumped at the opportunity. The effort to bring it back to "life" was prodigious, with the five children all pitching in. In her typical way, Geraldine embraced the new farming lifestyle, baking weekly batches of amazing bread, churning butter, stocking the freezer with homegrown fruits and vegetables and preparing delicious hearty meals.

When the children were grown and on their own, Geraldine was drawn back to High Mowing, which was so near and dear to her heart. She volunteered her time in the administration, and eventually accepted the position of Alumni Director, where she devoted many years to her passion of breathing new life into her beloved school.

She enjoyed her later years in a lovely rustic light-filled home, created from a salvaged antique post and beam barn. Set in a lovely blueberry meadow, with a soothing mountain view, and visited by her cherished birds and woodland creatures, she had found her "heaven". Her pastoral home became a welcoming gathering place for family occasions and celebrations. "Grammie's" house became a favorite of the grand children, and great grand children, where she spoiled them with attention and french toast, any time of day. No one left Grammie's (if it was even possible, as her long goodbyes, filled with hugs, began in the kitchen, proceeded to the porch, continued across the lawn and usually culminated through the open car window) without a treat for the road, and when especially fortunate, one of her scrumptious old family recipe Kuchens.

Geraldine will be missed by all that knew her for her positive outlook on life and her bold can-do spirit. She will forever be an inspiration to us.

A celebration of Geraldine's life will be announced, for those that wish to join us in remembrance.