Ann Patricia Geller

Ann Patricia Quinn Geller, independent spirit, writer of great letters, accomplished embroiderer, faithful New Yorker reader, bird watcher, lover of the sound of the ocean, train whistles at night and the rare sighting of a lady's-slipper orchid, finally let go of this world for the next on April 28, 2011 in Crescent City, California. She was 90 years old. Born in Petaluma, California on May 7, 1920, third of four proud children of Irish immigrants James and Bridget Quinn. Grew up along the Southern Pacific railroad line in Mendocino County learning the name of every plant and animal in the coastal redwoods landscape, cultivating a love of the natural world that would sustain her for decades. Attended San Francisco State College and Miss Miller's School for Secretaries and met her husband, Galen Geller, by chance on a train between Willits and San Francisco. The two were married for 50 years until he preceded her in death in 1991. Found love again with Ray Snyder in 1995, sharing a happy life with him as intrepid travelers. Worked for many years as a secretary, but spent the balance in domestic life in Sacramento, raising her three children, tending to gardens and family dogs, entertaining guests who came for the Geller tomatoes, sewing fanciful creations, doing volunteer work for Democratic candidates and local and national charities, bringing her offbeat sense of humor and creativity to everything she touched. Besides Ray, Ann is survived by her children, Maryann Moise Derwin, Nanno Geller and Galen Geller, her grandchildren William and Charlie Derwin, her son-in-law George Vanderhoof, her cousins Helen Treinen, Jack and Mike Quinn, and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on May 6, 2011 at 11am at East Lawn Memorial Park, 43rd and Folsom Blvd in Sacramento. "There is only one success--to be able to spend your life in your own way."--Christopher Morley