Geraldine Mines

Geraldine B. "Gerie" Mines, 93, of Bloomingdale, formerly of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of her family.
Born in Morristown, Gerie was the beloved daughter of the late Gerald and Sophie Bentley. She began her career as a secretary in New York City and later in Boonton, NJ, before devoting her talents to the family business. Alongside her husband, Joseph, she served as vice president, secretary, and treasurer of JF Mines, a company that evolved from wood cutting to blasting. With steadfast commitment and determination, Gerie dedicated 41 years to the success of the business before retiring.
A passionate advocate for civic engagement, Gerie was a long-time member of the League of Women Voters in Pompton Plains, starting her involvement in the mid-1960s.
She wholeheartedly supported her children's passions, becoming co-leader of a Morris County 4-H horse club and the Puddingstone Pony Club. A founding member of the Jersey Skylands Labrador Retriever club, she also played an essential role in the Mid-Jersey Labrador Retriever Club, serving in various capacities for many years.
Geraldine dedicated the breeding program to producing exceptional top-winning Labradors known for their health, versatility, and trainability under the AKC registered kennel name of Rockycreek. A significant milestone in the Rockycreek breeding program was reached in 2016 when CH Rockycreek's Jack Daniels CD PCD BN RA MH CGC TKN, affectionately known as "JD," achieved the coveted Champion Master Hunter title, becoming the 74th Labrador Retriever in breed history to earn this prestigious recognition.
Gerie is survived by her daughters, Janice Mines, Kathryn Mines (Jeffrey Evans), and Sharon Gormley (Glenn); and her grandchildren, Joseph W. Bykowsky (Rita), Jessica Wacht (Randy Ferrell), and Peter Wacht.
She was predeceased by her brothers Roger and Gerald Bentley, Jr.
Memorial visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm at Scanlan's: Where Life is Celebrated on Sunday, October 5, 2025. A Celebration of Life will continue following the visitation from 1-5 pm at Glenwild Clubhouse, 7 Clubhouse Drive, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403. Please RSVP for the Celebration of Life at the Glenwild Clubhouse to Sharon 973-769-4454 via text - preferred or call.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerie's memory can be made to the American Heart Association, Take The Lead, or Guide Dogs for the Blind. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Geraldine, please visit our floral store.