Geraldine "Gerri" Raun

Geraldine "Gerri" Raun, age 90, of Wattsburg died peacefully at the home of her son, Tom, on August 10, 2012 surrounded by her loved ones. Gerri was born in Wells, Oregon on October 19, 1921, the daughter of Paul and Gaye Dodele, and sister of Doug, Richard and Elaine, who all preceded her in death. As a young woman, Gerri worked as a civilian employee at Mare Island Naval Base in San Diego where she met her husband, Donald Raun, as he was being discharged from the Navy at the end of WWII. Donald died in 1976 and she is now joyfully reunited with him and their son, Donald Jr., who died in infancy. Gerri is survived by six children. Her sons, Tom, Pete and Barry all live in Wattsburg. Daughters, Patricia Hopkins and Denise Hackenburg and her husband, John, also reside in Wattsburg. Her daughter, Linda Peiffer and her husband, Bill, reside in Corry, Pa. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren, Thomas L. Raun, Brett D. Raun, Michael Hackenberg, Ginger Montgomery, Stacy Smith, Dara Carter, Trista Hackenberg, Abby Raun, Amber Hopkins and seventeen great-grandchildren who were the joy of her later years. Several cherished nieces and nephews also survive. Gerri lived an active life and enjoyed a wide range of activities. She traveled throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada and especially enjoyed visiting her nephews in British Columbia and Arizona. Gerri was a very competitive game player, enjoying card games and particularly Bridge, pinochle and 500. She regularly beat family members at Scrabble and enjoyed doing the word puzzles every day. She enjoyed watching golf tournaments and said one of her best days ever was spent at the US Open at Oakmont several years ago. Another favorite day was spent in a canoe with her son, Barry, during the 2010 Fall French Creek Float, when she was 89.years old. Her children remember many day-long road trips spent with Gerri exploring the parks and scenic roads of Pennsylvania and New York. At her request, there will be no visitation and a private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Her wish is that friends remember her with love. Memorials honoring Gerri may be sent to the Wattsburg Hose Co. at 14437 Main St., Wattsburg, PA, 16442. or Great Lakes Hospice at 1700 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16501. Arrangements are under the direction of Morgan-Pandolph Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Union City. Online condolences may be sent to morganpandolph.com.