Geraldine Lucretia Lockrow, “Gerry”, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 28, 2024, at the age of 100 and is now at rest with her Heavenly Father. Gerry was born on September 28, 1923, in San Pedro, California to Lucretia and Nicholas Jurun. She was the second of four children, all of whom lived well into their 90s. Gerry was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 68 years, Emerson Lee Lockrow; and a beloved son-in-law, Charles “Whitey” McLean. She will forever be missed by her family: her daughters, Janet (Tim) Richards of Sherborn, MA and Barbara McLean, Palm Desert, CA; her son, David (Mary) Lockrow, Grand Rapids, MI and her special Brazilian daughter, a former exchange student, Claudia Guedes of Sao Paulo, Brazil. She deeply loved her grandchildren: Ben and Sam Richards, Lauren Segovia, Scott McLean, Erin DiCamillo and Andrew and Patrick Lockrow. She also had a special place in her heart for her 3 great grandchildren: Emerson and Charlie Segovia and Marcus DiCamillo.
Gerry’s kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She lived a life of love, service, and commitment. Gerry met her future husband, Emerson, in Palos Verdes, California where he was stationed while serving his country in World War II. As a USO hostess, she volunteered her time lifting up the lives of servicemen far from home. After the war ended and he returned from his assignment in the Philippines, their love story continued, and they married in San Pedro in 1947. They moved to Grand Rapids, Emerson’s hometown, a journey that would carry them through the rest of their lives. A year later, Emerson founded the Overhead Door Company of Grand Rapids and for many years, Gerry stood by his side managing the books while he built a successful business. Gerry had many interests. She enjoyed the Breton Downs Garden and Arts Club where she was a member for 45 years. She joined the Dorothy Swift Guild at Butterworth Hospital where she volunteered in the coffee shop serving with a smile her favorite beverage, coffee, her secret to a long life. A trailblazer, she became a member of a women’s investment club, a progressive pursuit at the time. She loved playing bridge and played into her early 90s. She enjoyed tennis and was a keen golfer, culminating in a hole-in-one at her country club in Palm Desert, California. For three decades, Gerry and Emerson sought refuge from the winter in Palm Desert and enjoyed their time there with family and friends.
Gerry’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff at Heather Hills and Interim Hospice, especially Deb Scott and Carrie Lewis respectively. Their love, compassion and kindness are deeply appreciated.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on July 13, 2024, at 10:30am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Rev. James Chelich presiding. Interment Cascade Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to the Salvation Army, 1215 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI, 49503 or Frederick Meijer Gardens, 1000 East Beltline Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49525 – two organizations that Gerry held dear.