Josephine Gerling
Josephine Gerling
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Josephine Gerling Obituary
Josephine spent her formative years on the Eastside of Detroit, growing up on Holcomb Ave. It was in this community that she met her beloved husband, Leo Gerling, during a local bowling league. Their shared love for the sport blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Together, they made their home in East Detroit, Michigan, where they were blessed with three children: Therese, Ray, and Lisa.
Tragically, Josephine faced the loss of her husband Leo at the young age of 44. Despite this profound loss, she demonstrated remarkable strength and determination, embracing the challenges of single parenthood with grace. Josephine worked diligently in various clerical positions to provide for her family, ultimately retiring from the Admitting Department at Bon Secours Hospital in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Her tenure there was marked not only by her professionalism but also by the deep and lasting friendships she formed with her colleagues.
Josephine was a woman of many talents and passions. She was known for her cooking skills, often delighting family and friends with her delicious creations. Her love for animals was evident in the way she cared for her pets, finding joy and companionship in their presence. Josephine had a profound appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, a trait that endeared her to many.
Above all, Josephine's greatest pride and joy came from her role as a mother and grandmother. She cherished her children and was a devoted grandmother to Nicholas and Sophia, who brought immense happiness into her life. Though she was often described as quiet or shy, those who knew her recognized her as a courageous and strong woman, embodying the spirit of the Eastside of Detroit.
Josephine is survived by her children: Therese Gerling, Ray Gerling (Jennifer Whiteside), and Lisa Gerling (Oleh Dub), and her grandchildren: Nicholas Gerling and Sophia Gerling. She is predeceased by her husband, Leo Gerling, her father, Cyrille Scheyer, her mother Henriette Scheyer, and her brother, Raymond Scheyer.
In honor of Josephine's memory, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org and Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan www.ccsem.org/. A donation made to CCSEM should indicate it will be used to support the Adult Daycare Center Program. Family and friends will forever hold her in their hearts. Josephine E. Gerling's legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Veronica Catholic Church on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 10 AM.
St. Veronica is located at 21440 Universal Ave. Eastpointe, MI 48021. 586-777-0331
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Therese Gerling
June 2, 2025
In a very subtle way, my mom bestowed timeless gifts on those whose lives she touched. For example, her boss at Bon Secours Hospital, Betty, once invited her to a church service. My mom recalled how Betty sang, danced, and for a moment let go of the world and felt joy. I asked mom whether she had also participated in the service. Embarrassed, she acknowledged being a participant. She felt that she must have looked silly. I said there was no silliness here. I told her she had given Betty one of the greatest gifts of all - the permission to be herself. She made Betty feel safe. Mom shrugged her shoulders, smiled, and looked away. Yes, my mom was humble, but not due to timidity, weakness, or fear. She chose to focus on others before focusing on herself. These inner promptings were innate. With tender strength and humility, she met you where you were at. She gave you permission to be yourself. She made you believe that you mattered. Her choices were transformative. She made the world a better place. This is her legacy.
Therese Gerling
April 28, 2025
I love you to the moon and back. I will miss you forever.
Therese Gerling
March 22, 2025
My mother is the strongest, bravest, most caring person I have ever known. She will always be an inspiration to me.
Therese Gerling
December 23, 2024
It's happening again. I wake up at 3:00am, desperate to fall back asleep, but sleep won't come. Many emotions looking for resolution. I'm not sure how I will get through Christmas. I'm remembering the last part of your journey. Hospice was particularly difficult. There would be no turning back. We were looking down a tunnel toward the end. People can't live that way. A part of me died too during that time. You were bedridden, frustrated, and confused, but you never complained. You amazed me. We lifted each other's spirits in the days, weeks, months that followed. We had a good group of caregivers to help us, didn't we? Especially at the end. Hard workers with hearts of gold. They will be blessed. You received a constant supply of hugs and kisses, and you were saved by Lisa's cooking (yeah, I see you nodding your head.) You were in your own home, you knew your needs were being taken care of, and you were safe. Truly, I would do it all again.
Merry Christmas, momma
Love, Terri
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Lisa Gerling
December 16, 2024
Beautiful Mama Jo
Lisa Gerling
December 16, 2024
My mom loved her family with all of her heart.
Therese Gerling
December 15, 2024
Once, when my mom was reminiscing about her childhood, she recalled the act of getting ready for school in the morning. She said she would stand in front of her closet, trying to decide which outfit to choose. What made this process especially difficult for her was that she felt she had hurt the feelings of the other clothes she had left behind. She continued to possess this very special ability to see life with the eyes of a child throughout the rest of her life.
Therese Gerling
December 15, 2024
Growing up, after my dad passed suddenly, I would sometimes ask "Mom, how did you cope, get through life, keep the family intact?". She would reply "I had good kids". Confused, I would come back with "Yeah, but weren't we good kids because you raised us that way?".No response. Typically self-effacing, she would deflect praise onto others. She always wanted others to shine
Lisa Gerling
December 12, 2024
Thanksgiving - we are so thankful you were our Mama Jo.
Lisa Gerling
December 12, 2024
Mama Jo's wonderful grandkids - Nicholas and Sophia, and Ray and Mama Jenny
Lisa Gerling
December 12, 2024
This was a fun day - my selfie buddy.
Lisa Gerling
December 9, 2024
Mama Jo and Terri - 89th birthday.
Lisa Gerling
December 9, 2024
Mama Jo and Daddy Leo - how special they were.
Jennifer Whiteside
December 9, 2024
I am forever thankful for the way Mama Jo welcomed me into her family with open arms. I will always find joy in remembering how loved and special she made our children feel. From calling Nicholas, NichoLeo to always reminding Sophia how smart and beautiful she was, her words will forever remain part of them.
Dinners at Mama Jo´s were always a culinary delight. She had a knack for creating amazing desserts and I always looked forward to them. Our family favorite was her Belgian heritage signature cookie, Spekylos.
Alzheimer´s disease stole so much from you, but now you can rest in the peace that passes all understanding.
Love, Jenny
Therese Gerling
December 9, 2024
Mom, thank you for keeping our family together. We know how very hard it was for you, and how many sacrifices you made on our behalf. You never asked for the hand life dealt you. But mama, you beat the odds. You never knew just how strong you were. You survived, you triumphed, because, despite everything, you were able to keep hope and love alive in your heart. You were always there for us. Always. Your soul lives within us. We will always be together.
Lisa Gerling
December 8, 2024
My mom, "Mama Jo", as we kids called her, was my best friend. She accepted and embraced me for who I was, and always made me feel that I was alright, and so was the world. Her love and support was unwavering throughout my entire life. It's difficult to put into words how pure of heart and spirit she was. With just a smile and a hug, I always felt comforted and at peace. She was the most selfless, kind, generous and beautiful person I have ever known. She never cast judgement, and welcomed everyone who crossed her path.
My Mama Jo's legacy is love - she was made of love. Her compassion was boundless, as she put everyone before herself, and she did so without reservation. Those who were fortunate to have been touched by her were better having known her. Sometimes, she stayed up half the night baking her wonderful creations, just so she could take them to work the next day for her co-workers to enjoy. This was like therapy for her.
I will miss our time together, our Pancake House lunches, our drives looking at the Christmas lights, watching movies.... you made simple things fun, and those were the best things.....it was special just being with you. I will never, ever, stop missing you.....and I will love you forever, with all of my heart.
Love, Lisa
Ray Gerling
December 8, 2024
Love You Mom. Thank you for everything.
Nicholas Gerling
December 7, 2024
I will cherish the memories we shared together forever grandma Jo. Some of the earliest memories I have are with you, fascinated by the pictures in storybooks that you would read to me. You were kind, caring, gentle, nurturing, and full of wisdom. I know you are in a better place, together with grandpa Leo watching over us all. A true guardian angel. I love you and will remember you always.
Sophia Gerling
December 7, 2024
My Grandma was the most gentle and kind hearted woman ever. I remember just snuggling with her and she would always rub her hand on my arm. She was always telling me how beautiful I was and making sure school was going well because she valued my well being and my education. She always brought calmness whenever I saw her and she was the most beautiful person I have ever met. I know that she is reunited with my loving grandfather whom I wish I got the pleasure to meet. Knowing they loved bowling from reading, I know they are playing in heaven together.
I love you Grandma Jo so much
Love Sophie
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