Geraldine Elaine Rios

1937 - 2021

Geraldine Elaine (Haven) Rios

11/01/1937 - 03/04/2021

Born on All Saints' Day in Chicago, Geri was the youngest child and beloved only daughter of Jack and Peggy (Walker) Haven, and sister to doting elder brothers John and Bob. The family relocated to Fresno, CA when she was six.

An outstanding student, she was selected editor of her high school yearbook. She turned down the opportunity to be commencement speaker at her graduation because she did not want to give a speech in public. Geri received a full four year scholarship to Mt. Saint Mary's College in Los Angeles, and graduated with a BS in Nutrition. At "the Mount," she immediately charmed her classmates and built a close group of friends that lasted decades.

She kept up correspondence, phone calls and personal visits until her death. Geri was set up on a blind date with Bob, a student at UCLA. They danced to Perez Prado and his music. Bob knew he had just met the girl "I am going to marry." They dated exclusively, and one of Geri's fondest memories of that time was how Bob would sing her love songs in Spanish as he drove her back to the Mount. After graduation, Geri and Bob wed at Holy Trinity Church in San Pedro on June 1, 1959, followed by a celebration with members of both families and many friends present. Geri and Bob joyfully celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this past June, for she had, indeed, found her one true love, love fully reciprocated by Bob.

Mother of four, Geri devoted herself to her children and to building a family rooted in her core values: loyalty, trust, compassion, laughter, honesty, adventure, and most of all, love. She was "Mom" to Francois, an exchange student from Belgium, whose friendship lasted 40 years, and was like a mother to Ken Greenspan, a family friend for almost 50 years, whom she thought of as another son. She and Bob enjoyed entertaining family and close friends, camping, museums, national parks and travel. Most summers, the family would vacation at Three Rivers and Sequoia National Park. One memorable summer, the family spent two months driving from coast to coast, visiting many of this country's most famous landmarks. This trip was special to Geri because she was able to visit her brother John's graveside at Arlington National Cemetery. He had been killed in WW2 when she was just seven.

Once her children were old enough to be self-sufficient, Geri decided to pursue further education. She received her Masters of Science degree in Nutrition from California State University, Northridge. As a Registered Dietitian, her specialization was geriatric nutrition. She found the ideal job as a consultant for a group of senior nursing facilities serving a diverse community of clients. She was much loved by her coworkers and the residents for her outgoing nature and dedication to her job.

Her belief in the power of community led her to a lifetime of volunteerism. Her Catholic faith sustained her, and she was an active member of every parish she belonged to as she and her family moved from Gardena, CA to Thousand Oaks, CA to Three Rivers, CA. In Gardena, she was an active member of the PTA and co-chairperson of St. Elizabeth's Guild. In Thousand Oaks, she participated in the PTA, youth faith formation, and was co-founder of the Thousand Oaks Gifted Children association.

In Three Rivers, Geri and Bob built their dream retirement home (designed by daughter Michelle) along the South Fork river. Geri was active in RCIA (adult faith education), St. Clair's Altar Society, "The Thingery" thrift store, the Women's Club, and her Random Readers Book Club.

Geri, an outstanding cook, had a light touch with baked goods, and was known for her tried-and-true sherry walnut cake. She was an excellent seamstress, and one of her life joys was discovering a new thrift or antique store, where she was known for her ability to find bargains on the most unexpected and thoughtful items for gifts. (Such a find! Such a bargain!)

An avid reader, Geri enjoyed novels, murder mysteries, crossword puzzles, as well as BBC (TV) comedies. The onset of the current pandemic and its restrictions frustrated Geri, as she thrived on human contact, but she adapted to new technology and looked forward to weekly Zoom calls with her children and grandchildren. On the last such call, knowing she was facing the end, she emphatically told her family "I have had a good life. A good life." And so she had.

Geri passed away at home after a short yet aggressive bout of cancer, surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob, children Perri (Jaime), Kathryn (Craig), Michelle, and Rob (Sean); grandchildren Corin (Chelsea), Nathan, Andrea and Danielle, numerous nieces and nephews, her best friend of over sixty years, Gloria Doran, and a vibrant circle of friends, including Vi Moten, Marie Aguilar, Elizabeth Baumach, and many others whom she cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to a charity of their choosing.