Geraldine “Gerri” Deeter-Mitchell, age 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at Meadville Medical Center, Meadville, PA surrounded by her loving family. Born in Portland, NY on November 19, 1914 she was the daughter of the late James and Mae Munger Sullivan. She cherished her memories of growing up in Conneaut Lake at the Midway Hotel owned by her grandparents. There she enjoyed swimming across Conneaut Lake, rides on the Barbara J and dances at the Dreamland Ballroom. In her young adult years she was employed by Talon, Inc. in Meadville.
On May 5, 1941 she married Thomas R. Deeter and they shared fifty four years of marriage. They both shared a love for dancing. In fact, they were often seen at dances most evenings of the week during their courtship. Tom preceded her in death on April 13, 1995.
Gerri was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Raising a family was her lifelong desire and greatest accomplishment.
On November 29, 2001 at age 87, Gerri married Loren “Pete” Mitchell of Saegertown. Pete was a blessing to Gerri and her family and provided loving companionship. He preceded her in death on April 25, 2009.
Gerri was a member of the United Methodist Church denomination for over 70 years and most recently was affiliated with the Christian Missionary and Alliance Church in Cambridge Springs. She was a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years. In this role, Gerri was instrumental in making lifelong connections with many former students who referred to her as “Gram”. Her lifelong dream of being a teacher was fulfilled by her daughter and five of her grandchildren.
What Gerri treasured most was spending time with her family. Additionally, she enjoyed crafts, her kitchen, pageantry, developing programs, Lawrence Welk, her friends and neighbors, reading, poems, cards, writing and receiving letters, and “visits”. Her genuine love for children was obvious. She willingly and lovingly took an active role in the lives of the children around her.
Her affiliations included- Penncrest School District Board member and past president; Meadville City Hospital Auxiliary; Elks Auxiliary and past president; Westbury Auxiliary; Eastern Star Chapter 114 of Cambridge Springs; “Tuesday Tea” (for over 50 years); Meadville Charity Follies Committee and performer; Hobby Club; United Methodist Women; and her card club.
Her survivors include two daughters- Charlotte Beck of Greenville and Marty Chrzanowski (Don) of Edinboro; a stepdaughter – Janet Brown (Art) of Conneaut Lake; a special family member and honorary daughter – Dorothy White of Venango. Her grandchildren include Gerri Powell of Saegertown; Terri White (Scott) of Saegertown; Tom White of Edinboro; Ron White (Tina) of Venango; Amy Berger (Brent) of Edinboro; Brian Beck (Monica) of Columbia, MD; and Brad Beck (Margaret) of Greenville. Step grandchildren include-Tammy Price (Mitchell) of Saegertown and Tim Ellis of Maryland. Great grandchildren include – Diana Blood (Doug) of Conneautville; Delaynee Wilcox of Saegertown; Amanda and Erica White of Venango; PJ and Teige Berger of Edinboro; Danielle, Kevin, and Joey Beck of Columbia, MD; and Alexa Beck of Greenville. Additional step grandchildren include – Brandy Rottman (Matt) of Greenville; Stephanie Price of Saegertown and Nick Price stationed in Germany. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 and are invited to attend funeral services there on Saturday morning at 11:00 am. Reverend Clifford Cartwright, pastor of the Christian Missionary and Alliance Church of Cambridge Springs will officiate. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery.
THANK YOU GERRI for being such a blessing to nickolas and myself.I’m glad we got to spend time with you before going to be with our Lord.What a family you have,and only met a few of them,but i see love in them all for you.You are a little woman with a BIG heart,and just loved watching you during worshiping our LORD together in church.You always hugs me tight during greeting one another,and i will do all can to see that i get Barb back,you were big on that and i loved you just that much more.well see you when Jesus calls me home, LOVE nickolas and ic
Gerri will be truly missed. I have fond memories of her and Tom. I will always remember the visits to her house with Aunt Bern. My sincere sympathy to the family.
Deb Davis Day
Kokomo, Indiana
Marty,
Our deepest condolances to you and family on Gerri’s passing. She was a great person and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.
Mike and Sue Davis
Palm Springs, Florida
I have wonderful memories of Gerri, being in the Follies with her and many other activities, my sympathy to her family
Dearest Family, Please accept my most heartfelt condolences at your mother’s death. She was a dear friend of my mother’s (Irene Kineston) and best high school friend of my aunt (Iris Martin Browning), and I will remember her cheerfulness and energy all the rest of my life. She was a very special person. As it happens, I am leaving today for my girl cousin’s reunion and will be seeing my Florida cousin Linda Browning Natter. She also will be deeply moved. We will be unable to attend the funeral. Know that we are with you in our prayers and thoughts. Lois Kineston Holabaugh
My sincerest sympathy to the family. I have many fond memories of Gerri, as a neighbor, Sunday School teacher, and friend. She was a very special lady. It was a blessing to know her.
GERRI was a friend and neighbor in Venango. I enjoyed Tom and Gerri over the years and I will miss her friendly face and her upbeat personality. My sympathy to the family, I know you will miss her.
Marty, my condolences to you and your family. Your mother was a classy lady. I always enjoyed my visits with her.