Geraldine Susan Schilling

Geraldine Susan Schilling (ne Weaves), 83, of Fort Valley, VA, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at her home in the Shenandoah Valley. Born during an air raid on April 23, 1941, in Croydon, England to the late George Reginald Weaves and Sybil Marjorie Weaves (ne Hunt), she spent her formative years in both England and Rhodesia. As a young adventurous adult she capitalized on an opportunity to work in the United States that ultimately became her home.

Gerry's legacy is one of joy, compassion, and community service. A natural leader and athlete, she effortlessly gained friends with her quick wit and engaging nature. People throughout her life were drawn to her and she thoroughly enjoyed people. She was a loyal and constant friend to many throughout her life. Gerry was multi-faceted in her talents that including gardening, cooking, sewing, knitting, interior design and number of other artistic pursuits.

As a wife and a mother, she thoroughly enjoyed her family and opened the family home to her children's friends. Those friends, as adults, have often reflected on the impact she had on their lives. She was fully engaged in all aspects of family life, including a myriad of community work. Gerry was thrilled to become Nana to 3 amazing granddaughters later in life and regularly shared their individual accomplishments with friends.

She completed a degree in Business Administration while raising children. Her working career included service as long-term substitute teacher (Stafford County), business manager (Stafford County Water and Sanitary District) and an executive assistant (Veterans Administration). Her volunteer work was a continuous theme of her life and included Stafford High School Band Boosters (President), Youth for Understanding International Student Exchange (Regional Coordinator) and Stafford County Voter Registration (Assistant Registrar). Her substantive work in coordinating and managing student exchange assignments from 18 countries created a broader worldview for all involved. Gerry and her husband Kyle also served as hosts to 6 students, all of whom are extended members of their family.

Her influence extended far beyond her professional duties as she continued to serve as a mentor, guide, and friend to all who crossed her path. She had a remarkable ability to balance humor with empathy, and on occasion provided tough love, which made her a unique figure in the world. Whether through a witty remark or an encouraging word, she made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 59 years, Kyle E. Schilling; her children, Robyn Colosimo (husband, Mark), and Kyle E. Schilling Jr. (wife, Carole); her grandchildren, Courtney Colosimo, Reese Schilling, and Riley Schilling; her siblings, Richard Weaves of Wales, and Roslyn Halkett of South Africa; and countless friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10 am at Mount Bethel Church of McClure, 16 E. Specht St., McClure, PA 17841. Interment will follow at McClure Union Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Fort Valley, VA on January 4th, 2025. More details on the Celebration of Life will be provided soon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gerry's name to the Youth For Understanding (Scholarship and Financial Aid Fund) to support student study abroad. Checks can be mailed to Youth for Understanding, Financial Aid, 3995 Fashion Square Blvd, Suite 2, Saginaw, MI 48603. Online donations can be made at the following link: yfuusa.org/give

An online guestbook is available at compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of VA is handling the local arrangements, alongside Kraemer Funeral Home in PA.