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Helen Gerity Obituary
Helen Kennedy, 84, died on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Mrs. Gerity was born on January 17, 1929 in Passaic, NJ, where she was raised. She then lived in Montclair and has been a resident of Wood-Ridge for 30 years. Helen attended St. Nicholas School in Passaic, graduated St. Mary's High School in 1946 and attended Caldwell College in 1950, where she earned her Masters degree. She started her career at Sacred Heart School in Lyndhurst by helping her mentor, Sr. Frederick Engel in 1956. She then held several positions first as a third grade teacher, Reading Specialist, acting Principal and then Principal until her retirement in 1994. She remained active by serving as the Asst. Superintendent for the Newark Diocese as well as acting Principal in schools throughout the diocese. Among her many accolades over the years, she was most proud of receiving the Veritas Award in 1989 from her alma mater, Caldwell College for her commitment to children and Catholic education. She continued to stay active as an associate member of the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell O.P.A. Helen is predeceased by her parents, Marion Healion Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, by her beloved husband, John Peter Gerity in 1984 and by her daughter-in-law, Wendy Gerity in 2009. She is survived by her children, Robert K. Gerity of Branchville, Coleen Swezy and her husband, Rodney of Hamburg.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral from the Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 9 AM, then to Sacred Heart Church, Lyndhurst where at 10 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered. Interment Mount Hebron Cemetery, Montclair. Visiting hours Monday, 3-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Villa Marie Claire, 12 W. Saddle River Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458 or Sacred Heart School, 620 Valley Brook Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071.
Please visit us at www.nazarefuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Helen Gerity
Kathleen Donovan, Bergen County Executive
January 23, 2013
Mrs. Gerity was wonderful-smart, warm, funny,and very caring. I met her as a student at Sacred Heart School, and am privileged to have known her as an adult. I will miss her very much. We all have lost one of the best.
Sr. Bertrand Austin, O.P.
January 22, 2013
Helen's spirited life as a learner, leader, and co-worker of many dimensions gifted many with inspiration and aspiration. Her walk with God continues. We have been blessed in sharing in her life.
Marybeth Colville-Ferrie
January 21, 2013
Heaven has received another angel! Mrs. Gerity was an incredible teacher. I'm thankful that I was lucky enough to be one of her many students.
Jennifer McAdam Yurcich
January 21, 2013
Mrs. Gerity was an intelligent, devoted and compassionate educator. I often reflect on my years under her tutelage and know I was served well. She ran a tight ship, but did so with fairness and love. And, we are all better for it. God bless you, Mrs. Gerity. May you rest in a much deserved peace.
Donna McAdam
January 20, 2013
Mrs. Gerity was an incredible woman. A strong leader who so eloquently balanced discipline, kindness, and compassion towards her students. She was my principal during my entire time at Sacred Heart School. I think of her often and she has shaped the
adult that I have become today. Goodbye Mrs. Gerity. May you rest in peace with Jesus whom you served so diligently. Donna McAdam Shoemaker Class of 1989
Janet Wineland - Larson
January 20, 2013
My heart goes out to your family in this time of sorrow. Mrs. Gerity was a wonderful women, teacher and friend. I was a student at Sacred Heart while she was teaching there. I have much respect for her and will keep her in my prayers.
Hank and Ann Knyff
January 20, 2013
When words aren't enough. When it's hard to understand why. Find strength in those who care..
Blessed are those who mourn for they will be conforted. Matthew 5:4
May you find peace and confort.
God Bless you all,
January 20, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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Nazare Memorial Home, Inc. - Lyndhurst403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
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