Geraldine Lucille Arnold

Geraldine Lucille (Gidday) Arnold of Grand Ledge passed away January 15, 2025 at the age of 104. Born on February 27, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan she attended Detroit Public Schools ('37) where she developed a love of art. A lifelong artist, the greatest impact of this passion can be found in the countless cards, quilts, Christmas stockings and other handmade items "Gerry" made for friends and family. These treasures have become personal heirlooms for all who received them.
A student of art, Gerry studied at the Detroit Institute of Arts and Pewabic Pottery. She also gave back to the artistic community as an Art Teacher, (B.S. in Education, Art Major, Wayne (State) University '41), Founding Member of the Sandhills Quilters Guild (Southern Pines, North Carolina), and award winning painter (Michigan Watercolor Society).
In 1935, Geraldine sat behind Claude Robert "Bob" Arnold in class at Mackenzie High School. They would fall in love and marry on March 7, 1941. They remained in the Detroit area, where they would raise three children: Carol (James) Richardson of Topinabee, Gary (Suzanne) of Grand Ledge, and James (Patti) of White Salmon, Washington.
Upon Claude's retirement, they moved to Whispering Pines, North Carolina, where they enjoyed playing golf, attending church, and gathering with friends. During these years, Gerry and Claude would become loving grandparents and mentors to 9 grandchildren, and in subsequent years to their 23 great grandchildren. A true love story, Claude and Gerry were a model of support and devotion until Claude's death in 2004.
Gerry impacted all whom she met through her positive, caring, and steady presence. A willing and attentive listener, she became an important part of many peoples' lives through her advice and encouragement.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jessie (Kennedy) Gidday, and her brother Charles "Chuck" Gidday.
A woman of deep faith all her life, Gerry was an active member of the Grand Ledge First Congregational United Church of Christ (210 W. Saginaw Highway, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837), where contributions may be made in her memory. A private family service will be held this summer. Internment will take place in the Acacia Park Cemetery in Beverly Hills, Michigan. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com