Geraldine Blanche Mead

Geraldine Blanche Mead (Gerri), nee Danielson, oldest child of Stanley Danielson and Lillian (Johnson) Danielson, born May 22, 1939, died on Wednesday, March 18, in Chicago, after a calm and brave struggle with cancer, followed by a stroke. Gerri was Gail Russell's beloved wife; they had been together 30 years, and were legally married in 2014. Gerri was born in Detroit, MI and grew up in Dearborn, Mi. She was formerly married to Emory Mead, of Oak Park, IL, from 1963 until 1996. They had four children: Andrew (Andy), married to Andrea Kayne, living in Oak Park, Adam, who lives in San Francisco, Kathleen (Katie) Mead Kelly, who is married to Daniel Kelly, living in Forest Park, and Joel, who lives in Chicago.

Gerri's sister Carolyn lives in Farmington, MI, and her brother Elden and sister-in-law Janet, live in Royal Oak, MI. She has two nieces, Emily and Ruth, and a nephew Nils, all living in Michigan.

Gerri also has five grandchildren: Eli Mead of Chicago, Ruby Mead of Oak Park, Luka Mae Hill, also of Oak Park, El Russell and Hannah Russell, both of Chicago. She also has two step-children: Elizabeth (Liz) Russell (married to Timothy Fowler), and Jonathan Russell (father of El and Hannah) who all live in Chicago.

Gerri had a very varied work life. She taught junior high school (language arts and geography) in Michigan, followed by nine years as a stay-home parent. Re-entering the (paid) work force, she was involved in advertising and marketing at both Montgomery Ward and the National Safety Council. She served as Director of Volunteer Services at Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, where she discovered her love of working with older adults. But the highlight of this aspect of her life was as a Chaplain at Presbyterian Homes, serving in both Evanston and later in Chicago at their Neighborhood Homes. She said she found her calling in this work.

Gerri was an active member and elder at First United Church of Christ in Oak Park, IL, and then more recently at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church. From 2001 to 2016, Gerri served for 13 years as an Elder at LPPC and as a Presbytery of Chicago Elder Commissioner. Gerri served on Property and Finance, and she chaired the Worship and Hospitality Team as well as the Stewardship Team. She was the Financial Secretary for the past 9 years. She was deeply committed to the mission and ministry of these two congregations. Though she was not an ordained pastor, Gerri was often considered "a pastor to pastors" by those with whom she served.

She had deep concern for all humanity, for justice and equity. She worked for and acted for antiracism, immigration, and LGBTQIA+ folks. From 1998 to 2007, Gerri served on the Chicago Region Board of That All May Freely Serve, an organization committed to queer inclusion in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Earlier in her life, she marched for women's equality, food justice, immigrants' rights, and for many years, in the Chicago Pride Parade.

Gerri loved spending time with her family, and her many friends. She enjoyed music (especially classical and folk), and sang in church choir and in the Sounds Good Choir. She was an avid gardener, reader, and jigsaw puzzler. And the place she found deep peace was at CedarWing, the family cottage beside Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor, MI.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 6 at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m., with lunch and reception to follow. Donations in honor of Gerri may be made to Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, 600 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614.