Geraldine (Gerry) Power was born Geraldine Humphreys on September 29th, 1918 and passed away at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver on Tuesday, June 5th, 2012. Her devoted husband of 14 years, Arthur Power was at her side until the end.
An evening prayer service will be held at Holy Name Church on Monday, June 11th at 7 p.m. The church is located at 33rd Avenue and Cambie Street.
Funeral services will also be held at Holy Name Church on Tuesday, June 12th at 11 a.m. All who wish to celebrate the life of Gerry are welcome. The family suggests that donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in lieu of flowers would be a fitting tribute.
Gerry was born in Chilliwack, British Columbia to John Percival & Nellie Humphreys. She had 4 siblings; Minnie, Mary, Smyth & Sydney. She was born to an incredibly musical family of pianists & violinists. Gerry herself played the piano, the violin & the viola. The Keynote Choir and her Church Choir both benefitted from her sweet tones and perfect pitch.
In 1945, Gerry married her first husband Hector and changed her name to Gerry MacDonald. At this point, Gerry had been working at Canadian Food Products for 10 years. She would leave her position there to begin a long career with White Spot Limited starting in 1959. In a letter dated September 10th, 1983, President & CEO Peter T. Main sent a letter congratulating Gerry on 48 years of service. Gerry performed many functions throughout her career, finishing her employment as Administrative Assistant in Corporate Affairs.
After the death of Hector, Gerry pursued her lifelong love of travel through the Good Sam RV group. She bought her own RV and hit the roads.
In 1994 Gerry and Mary took a trip to Australia. It was on this trip that they met long-time bachelor, Arthur Power. In 1998 Gerry and Arthur were married in Ottawa and Gerry changed her name to Gerry MacDonald Power. Arthur packed up his bags and moved to Vancouver, to begin a new life with Gerry. And what a life! There was lots of travel, singing, dancing and laughter as these 2 newlyweds enjoyed their many common interests.
A paralyzing stroke in 2002 threatened to slow Gerry down permanently. But in the end, her determination to live life to the fullest prevailed and she slowly improved her mobility and speech. Alas, we were never to hear her play her viola again. But, it was a wonder to see Gerry maneuver her wheelchair with the precision of a Formula One driver
Gerry was always eternally curious about situations around her. This trait, paired with a wonderful sense of humour, a gracious spirit and a willingness to try new things, won her admirers everywhere she went. She was intensely proud of the significant achievements made by her family and friends.
Gerry is survived by her husband; Arthur Power – her brother and his wife; Sydney & Mary Humphreys – along with many nieces and nephews.