Geanne Elyse Raker

With a heavy heart and a wink, we announce the passing of Geanne Elyse Raker, who bid adieu to this world on July 13, 2025, at the sprightly age of 77. Born on June 13, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, Geanne decided to make her final curtain call exactly 77 years later in Zephyrhills, Florida. Always one for symmetry, it seems.
Geanne spent her professional life as a medical secretary, where she was known for her impeccable organization skills and her ability to decipher even the most atrocious doctor handwriting-a superpower in its own right.
When not keeping the medical world in order, Geanne was a woman of many passions. She loved cruising and traveling, often saying that the journey was more important than the destination-unless, of course, the destination promised exotic birds to watch. An avid birder, she could distinguish a Dendroica from a Parulidae at fifty paces, and her bird-watching adventures were legendary amongst her family.
Mahjong was another favorite pastime, where her competitive spirit shone brightly-her opponents knew better than to underestimate her strategic prowess. But above all, Geanne cherished spending time with her twin sister, Joan, and her delightful grandchildren, all of whom she adored beyond measure.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Roy, who departed in 2018; her beloved grandson Michael; her niece, Joanie; and nephew, Jay. We suspect there is quite the family reunion happening on the other side.
Geanne leaves behind her daughter, JoAnn (Todd) Racino; her son, Joseph (Julissa) Raker; her brother, Victor (Donna) Philippi; her treasured twin sister, Joan Fitzgerald; and her half-sister, Allison Bailey. Her legacy also lives on through her grandchildren: Kathryn, Claire, Aaron, Terrance, Nicholas, Matthew, Christopher, Ronaldo, and Lucrecia, as well as her great-granddaughter, Magnolia; niece, Geanne and nephews, Jeremy and Patrick will also miss her dearly, along with her three cherished cats, who no doubt have already claimed her favorite armchair in her absence.
Fly high, dear Geanne-you've earned your wings. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Geanne, please visit our Tree Store.