Geraldine Godin

Geraldine (Jerry) Godin �" Jerry Godin, 85, passed away peacefully at AMC Mercy Center, Monday afternoon, June 15, 2009. Jerry was born in Faust, NY (downtown Tupper Lake) on March 8, 1924, the third daughter of William and Juanita Francis. Growing up in the “Junction”, the family resided on LeBoeuf Street and spent summers on Little Wolf Pond. She graduated from Tupper Lake High School and continued her studies at Plattsburgh State Teachers College, receiving her bachelor’s degree in education.

Jerry began her teaching career in the Massena Central school system but returned to Tupper Lake after meeting and marrying her husband Richard in 1947. In Tupper Lake she taught two kindergarten sessions per day for many years in the old elementary school on Chaney Avenue, introducing hundreds to their “A-B-C’s”. Jerry completed her Master’s degree in education at SUNY Potsdam in the early ‘60’s. When L.P. Quinn Elementary School opened, she graduated to 1st grade, adding hundreds more Tupper Lakers to her bevy of students.

When they retired in the mid ’80’s, Jerry and Dick explored the country in their RV, spending winter months in Arizona and other locations around the country. From her home on the Raquette River she took up quilting and became one of the founding members of the Raquette River Quilters. That hobby/obsession soon produced countless works of fabric art that, along with the other very talented ladies of the group, have been displayed in the biennial quilt show at Goff Nelson Library. The quilt show helped raise money for many worthy organizations around the area.

Jerry is survived by her sisters Thelma Gagnier of Lake George, Lita DeMars of Fort Meyers, Florida; her son, Rick and his wife, Melissa and their daughters, Margaux and Lauren. Calling hours will be held at St. Alphonsus Church on Monday June 22nd at 10:30am with services following at 11:00am. Burial will be in St. Alphonsus cemetery. Donations in Jerry’s name can be made to AMC-Mercy Nursing Home Activities Department and High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care. Arrangements are with the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.