It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Geraldine Katherine Colter, beloved wife, mother, granny, GG, sister, and friend. Geri passed away peacefully in the Vancouver General Hospital on July 5th, 2022, after two weeks from the initial diagnosis of cancer.
Geri is survived by her daughters, Holly (Brad) Peterson and Heather Colter. Her sister, Kim (John)Kelly and brother-in-law, Kelly Taylor. Her grandchildren, Victoria (daughter Maliyah)Peterson, Nicole (Marshall)Littlefield, Olivia Peterson, and Alyssa Peterson. She was predeceased by her husband, Lorne Maxwell Colter (Max).
Geri was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, the second oldest of 5 children. After moving to Virden, Manitoba and graduating high school, she went on to graduate as a lab technician in Ontario. From there she married her high school sweetie, Max Colter, in 1964. They moved to Regina where they made it their home for 49 years. She finished her working years working for the visually impaired program at Arcola School. This involved translating textbooks to brail and working directly with the children in class and on field trips. In her retirement, Geri started working at the Regina Floral Conservatory where she volunteered for many enjoyable years. She had a natural talent for mixing and matching plants into a lovely arrangement at home, in her yard and at the Conservatory. Two years after Max passed away, she moved to Vancouver BC to start the next phase of her life which speaks to her bravery and zest for life.
Geri had many loves in life, one being her grandchildren. She loved taking them to tea-time at the Hotel Sask. (as well as in her own back yard), Candy Cane Park, Wascana park and the bandshell at Wascana Park was often a stop for them to perform for her. Another was her love of flowers and plants with a backyard and balcony full of a variety of colour and beauty. The love for “Her” Saskatchewan Roughriders football team and CFL should maybe be mentioned… She would go to training camp with her lawn chair and get to know the players and always looked at the positive in their play (even when they were stomped on by the opposing team). Her and Max were season ticket holders for 49 years. They chose Regina as their home because of the team. She enjoyed many of Regina’s cultural events such as Globe Theatre where she introduced her girls and her grandchildren to the love of the theatre, Saskatchewan Express & Regina summer stage to name a few.
Geri was a friend to all. She made everyone feel important, her friends, her family, her daughters’ friends, her grandchildren’s friends, and her great granddaughter. She cared for everyone.
In the past 6 years, on the west coast, she embraced her new lifestyle by walking daily (all year), going to symphony at her favorite theatre in Vancouver called the Orpheum and by meeting new people. She joined the Vancouver Newcomers Club shortly after arriving in Vancouver. Not too long after joining she was asked to be part of the Executive which she hesitantly accepted at first but then embraced along the way. This lovely group of people welcomed and accepted her. While in Vancouver she made many new friends and enjoyed many cultural events, lively discussions at Monday morning coffee and at her place with her knitting group. There were trips to the Fraser valley and the Okanagan, movies, walking events, the cooking club and wine tastings as well as happy hour visits with the ladies. She loved her new home as she loved the family home in Regina. She had a fabulous ocean view apartment and her special bench right on the Kits beach.
We cannot express how sad we are. We were not ready for her passing and had hoped for many years with her. We will focus on the great memories we do have… she will deeply be missed.
Due to the number of people that were close to Geri, and the geological spread of where these lovely people are dwelling, we have decided not to hold an organized traditional memorial service. Please feel free to honour Geri and her memory with people close to you that also knew Geri. There is a comment section below for a place to share stories or send messages. If you are wanting to give a gift in her honour, please donate in her name to Regina Floral Conservatory .