Geraldine Mcgarry

Geraldine "Gerry" McGarry, 94, of Rochester, formerly of Grand Forks, ND, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at The Homestead in Rochester, MN. Gerry was born September 19, 1926 in Taylorville, IL to Ova and Goldie (Gensler) Chamness. She was a graduate of Taylorville High School and then went on to attend the local business school. In 1948, Gerry married Thomas McGarry and they celebrated 65 years of marriage before Tom passed away in 2013. Gerry began her working career as a switchboard operator then went to work for various doctor offices and hospitals before finally working as an administrative assistant in student health at the University of North Dakota. Gerry enjoyed spending her time crocheting, quilting and embroidering, sharing all her creations with family and friends. She had a huge heart for dogs and an admiration for the beauty of horses. Gerry had a strong work ethic and was known for her independent attitude. She was an excellent listener and full of compassion. Gerry fiercely loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was supportive and loyal to her family. Gerry is survived by her children, Sheila (Robert) Pariseau of North Chelmsford, MA, Kevin (Kim) McGarry of Rochester, MN and Steve (Michelle) McGarry of Santa Rosa, CA; seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; one sister and four brothers.  A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February, 18, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. The service will be livestreamed through the Ranfranz and Vine Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Ranfranzandvine/ where it will be available to view later on as well. Inurnment will be at Grand Forks Memorial Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mayo Clinic Hospice, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 or to your local humane society.  Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the McGarry family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com