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Magdalene Gerrish Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Magdalene Gerrish
Sponsored by Andy, Teresa and Mark.
Gabriel Harvey
August 14, 2018
You are a true Tucson original, Godspeed Ms. Gerrish.
V. Lee Gillenkirk
August 6, 2011
I met Magdalene in 1978 while training a few doors down at Lion Park's Tae Kwon Do. Some of us would go over after working out and she was like a mom to us. Once I told her the Szechuan Beef wasn't spicy enough so she asked "how spicy you want" and I told her to hurt me. She accepted the challenge. After that I always got a small bowl of hot chili paste on the side. She definitely had a Black Belt work ethic. Then there were the waitresses always trying to marry each other off. In 1991 I moved into the Blenman/Elm neighborhood and enjoyed our talks (even the horror stories) during lulls at lunchtime. A class act all the way and greatly missed. RIP Grandma Gerrish.
Linda Miku
March 3, 2011
We only learned of Magdalene's passing last night, at that "other restaurant" across the street. Janice Furer, owner and head honcho of Bonnets Stems and Accessories (a plumbing supply store), passed away 20 April 2010, only two weeks after Magdalene. Although she was a *little* younger, both of these tough, independent ladies made their way in Tucson and made Tucson a better place by their business savvy and no-nonsense approach to their work and their customers. Reliable plumbing parts and great Chinese food -- what more could anyone want in life?
Best wishes to all of the Gerrish Clan -- know that Magdalene is teaching angels to make egg rolls the right way.
Bruce Nevins
Linda Miku
Jim Ethridge
September 27, 2010
Theresa,Mark,and Andy, I was saddenned to hear of your loss. Magdalene was a very bright lady who took on many hats. My mother was Director of Nursing at St. Mary's Hospital since 1971, and really enjoyed working with your mother. Everytime we were watching TV and her commercial came on my mother would always say That's my friend, she was a nurse first!!!!! We would only say Yes mother we know. Through our years at Salpointe, and many occasions at the restaurant, we have always been friends. Having lost my mother this past year I can only offer peace through the grieving process, and that the silent moments of laughter and tears are comforting. Deepest Sypathy to you all.
Dene' Eyde-Ross
September 26, 2010
Dear Andy, Theresa, and Mark, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will never forget your mother! Especially the iconic commercials...;o)
Warmest Regards, Dene' Eyde Ross
August 30, 2010
Andy, Theresa and Mark.. I am so sorry for your loss.. She was an amazing woman and I know she is at peace.. Sincerely, Dannette Welsh Finley
Michael Duffy
April 23, 2010
Andy, Teresa, Mark & the whole Gerrish family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was a very sweet lady. She also must of been a saint to put up with the stuff we did back then.
God Bless,
Duff
April 16, 2010
Dear Andy, Theresa, & Markie-
I too, remeber learning how to make dumplings in your Mom's kitchen.
I am so Happy that our Mom's became so close and both being Nurses, they "told it like it is!" Together, they were never short on advice.
I pray that they are now together laughing & dancing!
I have alot of great memories of growing up with all of you and they will last forever.
God Bless-
Cyd Caldwell-Gomez
Lynn Bartlett
April 13, 2010
To the Gerrish Family, I always enjoyed your Mom. My business (Barber Shop) was two doors from hers. She was a nice lady and no matter how busy she was, she always took the time to visit and had a way of making everyone feel special. She was so proud of you!
Paul Raizk
April 13, 2010
Dear Andy, Teresa and Mark,
What a wonderful lady. What an exceptional businesswoman! A trend setter and ahead of her time.
So many fond memories of her and growing up with you guys. It is so sad she is gone, but comforting to know she is no doubt in a better place.
My thoughts and feelings are with you.
Much love to you all.
Viki Watson
April 13, 2010
To be absent from this body, is to be present with The Lord.
God Bless
Viki
April 13, 2010
Andy, Tweedy and the Gerrish family I was
out of town but just learned you Mom passed
away. She was a true gem and did she feed
us well! She did her best to keep us out of
trouble . If my Dad was here he would also
thank for her kindness.
Phil Amos
Phil Amos
Alison Hughes
April 11, 2010
Dear Andy, Teresa and Mark,
I heard only last night about your Mom's passing. I am so sorry to have missed the remembrance service yesterday. Magdalene gave so much to the Tucson community. She was a good friend to me and hundreds of others in this town. I'm going to miss dropping over at the house to visit her from time to time. Know that I am thinking of you in your time of grief and sorrow over this loss.
Love
Alison Hughes
April 11, 2010
To the Gerrish Family, from the Velasco Family, in Kansas City, MO. i was truly saddened to hear of your great loss. We spent lots of time together at St. Pete's my brother and sisters. Eddie told me about your mom last week. you are all in our prayers. To Andy and Teresa, the time we spent at school and the summer at the park, by your house will always be a very happy memory. i ahve been trying to get ahold of you Andy, i just did not want it like this. We will keep your Family in our prayers.
your friend always, Rick (RICKY) Velasco, USN, RET.
Toni M. Horrace
April 11, 2010
Dear Andy, Teresa and Mark...I know your Mom lived a long full life, and yet I am so very sad at the news of her passing. My children were too young to really remember her, but I told them of how she would always come and sit at our table with us while we dined. She didn't know us as well as she knew other customers, but that didn't matter to her, she treated us just the same. Wonderfully. The world is a sadder place without your Mom...may you find peace in the coming days, and comfort. God bless you and your families.
Samantha Dickson
April 11, 2010
Dear Andy, Theresa and Mark,
I new Magdalene from Szechuan Omei. My family brought me to her restaraunt since I was in a high chair in 1985. I can remember birthdays at her restaraunt, . She would visit with us at our table, and really made us feel welcome and like a part of her restaraunt family. She was a wonderful, charming woman, I will miss her. My heart and prayers go out to your family.
Gordon Zaft
April 11, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of Mrs. Gerrish's passing. She was a Tucson original, one of the unique characters that gave Tucson its charm. My favorite story -- I had placed a phone order to pick up at the restaurant for something I always ordered -- Mongolian beef, I think. When I got to the restaurant to pick up the order, Mrs. Gerrish checked through all the bags that were waiting for pickup and couldn't find Mongolian beef. There was sesame chicken instead. She handed it to me, and said, "you try -- I know you'll like". I took the bag and walked out and when I got home thought -- what kind of woman is this that tells me to take something other than what I ordered, and I obey? The answer -- why, Magdalene Gerrish!
Incidentally, I'd never had sesame chicken before but it is now one of my favorites and whenever I eat it I think of Mrs. Gerrish and thank her for introducing me to another favorite. Rest in peace Mrs. Gerrish.
April 10, 2010
Dear Andy, Teresa, Mark and all of Magdalene's extended family,
You have my most heartfelt condolences.
How I loved your Mom! I first met Magdalene when I was a patient at St. Mary's Hospital way back in 1969. More than once she worked extra shifts over night to take care of me because I was so ill. Thanks in no small part to her, I got well and have stayed well all these years. I was so happy when she opened the restaurant because I could go visit with her and have a great meal, also. She always regaled me with stories of her children; she was so proud of you and loved you so much. Thank you for sharing her with me.
I will keep you and your dear Mother close in my heart.
My very best love,
Margo Elson
Tucson
April 9, 2010
To Magdalenes Family, I would often eat at Szechuan Omei and every single time Magdalene would smile that smile. She remember'd my mother and would tell me how wonderful my mom was. They workrd together at St. Mary's Hospital during the lates 60's. My mother worked in the old ER. I admired your mother very much. Now maybe they will see each other while they watch over us. My sincere condolences to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Magdalena Trujillo now living in San Antonio, Texas
Kenneth Irving
April 9, 2010
I loved her commercials, loved her restaurant, loved her food, and loved her. When I left town some years ago, she was high on the list of things I missed. Thanks for all you did, Magdalene, for your Szechuan Omei customers, and for all the others you served.
April 9, 2010
Dear Andy and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. My parents send their condolences and her name brought a smile to their faces. Your are in our prayers. Mary Leonardi and family and Jack and Dorothy Arnold
Danny Stein
April 9, 2010
Sorry to hear the news. I will tell your ex-head chef, Mr. Chen, who is retired in China.
Well, Magdalene. We all hope You're now enjoying the daily specials in the ??????? (Heaven Chinese Restaurant), where everything for you is half-off, except the Seafood and a Duck.
Rest in Peace.
You will be missed.
Eddie Hermosa
April 9, 2010
Andy, I remember your mom being a grand support to you, your sister and brother since 1st grade. How time moves swiftly. My family and I extend our deepest condolences to you, Teresa, and Mark for the loss of your mom. May the Lord give you His strength through this time.
Eddie Hermosa
Yolanda
April 9, 2010
I HAD LEFT MY KEYS AT HER RESTAURANT ONCE AND WENT BACK TO PICK THEM UP. MRS GERRISH HANDED THEM TO ME AND COMMENTED ON MY KEYCHAIN WHICH READ "THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB IS A WOMAN" WHICH I FELT WAS APPROPRIATE FOR HER AND HER LIFE. SHE HAD ALOT OF SPUNK, WE WILL MISS HER DEARLY! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE GERRISH FAMILY.
Ric Moreno
April 9, 2010
Drew and Tweety,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if you need anything. I'll always remember your mother bringing us the left overs after closing the restaurant. I never knew what I ate but I sure liked it alot!!
April 9, 2010
Andy and Tweety ~ I am so sorry to hear about Magdalene. She was always very sweet to me and I looked forward to seeing her when I would visit restaurant. According to the story Kim Matas wrote (STAR) she was quite a remarkable woman. I remember that you made her very happy, Andy. God bless you and family.
Cina Fell
Linda Fuentes
April 9, 2010
Andy,
You know how much your mom meant to me. I always smile when I think of her. She will be missed dearly I'm sure. I hope you take comfort in all of these wonderful messages from your friends and family. Everyone who knew her couldn't help but be touched in some way. She will always be a legend. God bless your family.
April 9, 2010
You are loved by many friends and family...what a beautiful life. Rest in peace.
Diane S
April 9, 2010
My children and I have so many fond memories of visiting Mrs. Gerrish's restaurant. My sons are grown now, and they still talk about her and how much they used to look forward to going there as much to see her as for her fabulous food. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered....
Cindy Riba
April 9, 2010
Andy Teresa and Mark
Iam so sorry to hear about your mother.She was a true inspiration to us all and I was priviledged to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very tough time. Relive all your wonderful memories and she will always be with you.
Dan Perino
April 9, 2010
Andy, Teresa, & Mark,
I have such wonderful memories of your mother. I always knew her as "Mrs. Gerrish," but in later years she always told me to call her Magdalene. Couldn't do it. I respected her too much. The Gerrish family will always be an important part of my childhood memories.
Stephanie (White) Westbay
April 8, 2010
I remember Mrs Gerrish vividly from my childhood days. I spent summers at my grandparents home (Perino's) and I was close to her son Mark. I am saddened to hear the news!
Peace is with her and I hope her family finds comfort as well.
Stephen Dorgan
April 8, 2010
Dear Andy and Family, MY thoughts are with you all. Now my mom and your mom are together again. God Bless you all.
April 8, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gerrish family. We love you Andy and Tweety! Alex, Megan, and Michael...always cherish the memories of your grandma. Love Mac & Barb
Salpointe Catholic High School
April 8, 2010
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to the Gerrish Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Elias Garcia
April 8, 2010
My Condolences, she will be missed greatly
Mary Perino
April 8, 2010
I have the most wonderful, funny memories of Mrs. Gerrish! Like my own mother, Magdalene "called them as she saw them". Never one to mince words and quite descriptive! I would take my mom to her restaurant where we were never allowed to order on our own. She always knew what was best for us! I am sorry for your loss, I really am. The memory of Mrs. Gerrish will always make me smile! You all will be in my thoughts on Saturday. I wish I could be there with you to celebrate her life!
Cami & Squier Jones
April 8, 2010
An institution in our neighborhood. A stalwart friend to our parents. A loving guardian of us, the kids, and in the end, a memory we will never be without. Our kids playing with Mark, even to this day, having a crush. We mourn with you as we did for our own parents. Love from Camille Perino Jones & Squier Jones
Joe Rumps
April 8, 2010
My sincere condolences. My wife and two daughters spent a pleasent hour or so talking with her in front of her house last month. She was always very nice.
David Perino
April 8, 2010
Magdalene was our mothers neighborhood friend and confidant. Her watermelon gifts to our father were more appreciated than she ever knew. As a child we were shocked by her frank conversations around the breakfast table with mom. Just Friday Dan and I commented that we needed to go visit before she knocked on our door and chastized us for not coming to see her for such a long time. We wish we acted. We will miss you Magdalene. All our love to all of her family.
Monica
April 8, 2010
Marky, Andy, Theresa and your families, my deepest heartfelt condolences. Your mother's memory is one that will live forever in our hearts!
Rene Gaynor Hail
April 8, 2010
God has welcomed you as you have so many. May your family find peace in knowing how loved you were by so many! You held my babies many times and treated us like your own family. Much love, Rene' Gaynor-Hail
April 8, 2010
Andy, Teresa and Mark, I was sad to hear of your loss. I have extremely fond memories of her. May she rest in peace. Beth Kohl
Kathleen Gawne
April 8, 2010
Dear Teresa and Family,
My Family and I offer our sincere condolences and please know you are in our prayers. Mrs Gerrish was kind and gentle everytime I encountered her at Salpointe or the restaurant.
May you know that God will comfort you in this time of loss and that your mother made it swiftly into the hands of our savior. She earned her wings and was recieved graciuosly.
You are truly blessed to have had such a lovely woman as your mother.
God Bless you and yours.
Most Kindly:
Kathy Gawne and Family
Class of 81
Mark Storek
April 8, 2010
So Sorry To Hear...
Best to the family..
Mark Storek
Larry Schnebly
April 8, 2010
I can still see/hear those famous commercials from your famous Mom/Grandmother/Great Grandmother! What a hard working lady ! My best wishes in this new chapter in her and your lives. As a television broadcaster we were always pleased at her enthusiasm for our medium. And her
general high-level of enthusiasm just carried over into the homes and hearts of so many of us Tucsonans-of-yore!
Larry Schnebly KGUN TV9 Retired
Wayne D Anderson
April 8, 2010
A fine lady and a great Tucsonan. Rest in peace Magdalene and thank you for your hard work and loving contribution to our community.
Diane (Rader) Churilla
April 8, 2010
Dear Andy, Tweety and family,
I am very sorry about the loss of your mom. My thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless!
Sal Quijada
April 8, 2010
Ms. Gerrish was a Tucson treasure because of her All American commercials on television.
Vaya con dios.
Jerry Apo
April 8, 2010
Andy,
My extreme condolences for your loss. You can find great comfort in knowing that she is resting comfortably in the arms of our Lord.
Maggie Dunbar
April 8, 2010
I have wonderful memories of Magdalene Gerrish. We had many totally delicious meals at her Szechuan Omei Restaurant under her always watchful eye. She even sat sometimes to talk with us. Now, after several years I still think of and miss those times. She was a delightful lady!
Maggie Dunbar
April 8, 2010
Oh, we're SO saddened! I've lived in Blenman/Elm my whole life and Magdalene was an institution. My aunt used to bring her snow peas from her garden and we always loved going to the restaurant. I don't remember a day she wasn't there. She was SO hard-working, so friendly - just the loveliest. I have the fondest memories of her and I will cherish them always.
Our deepest sympathies,
Jaimee & David Sullivan
Kelly Caldwell-Cook
April 8, 2010
As my mother's dearest friend while she was on this earth, I hope you reunite in heaven. You babysat me and my siblings as my mother did for you, and I have very fond memories of making thousands of egg rolls in your kitchen. I mostly like to eat them. Rest in peace and know we loved you.
Ron Acosta
April 8, 2010
Thank you Madalene. Your smile and friendly face will always be remembered. You touched many many people.
April 8, 2010
Mrs. Gerrish has and always will be a Tucson Icon.
I grew up watching her commercials....God bless you Mrs. Gerrish and your family...what a wonderful blessing she is/was and always be!
April 8, 2010
She was a lovely Lady Rest in Peace Magdalene
April 8, 2010
We have lost a wonderful lady. I remember her beautiful smile and many family/friend meals we spent together. My love goes out to her loving family. Barb S.
April 8, 2010
Mike, Teresa, Jack, Katie, Elizabeth and Emily -
You are all in our thoughts and we know how difficult it will be to deal with the loss of such an inspirational, wonderful mother and grandmother. No matter how you think you might be prepared for this, a death of such a loved one is a great loss for everyone who loved her. Please know our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Pat and Peggy F.
Randy Jones
April 8, 2010
I will miss you Magdalene. Every time I walked in to your restaurant, or the furniture store, you greeted me as a friend. I used to repeat your greeting as I drove away. "Hello dare" as I believe that's how God welcomed you to your heavenly home!
Libby B.
April 8, 2010
I have fond memories of Szechuan Omei Restaurant and still smile when I think of the memorable commercials that Magdalene did. Tucson has lost an icon; Rest in peace, dear Magdalene.
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