OBITUARY: Geraldine Louis Graber, PhD

GERALDINE LOUISE GRABER, PhD, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2011 at age 73 in Campbell River, BC. She is survived by her sisters Regina Devlin and Patricia (John) Harding, brothers Al (Helen) Graber and Jack (Colleen) Graber. She is also mourned by the son of her heart Batholomew Mokuh and his son—born early, on March 4—Gerry Graber Che, her extended family and friends.

Since she was a little girl Geraldine's (Gerri) life was defined by an abiding love of God, a devotion that eventually found its home and active expression in the Bahá'í Faith. Gerri will be remembered for her vast knowledge of theology, her charity work in Africa and her passionate love for teaching.

The girl who attended St. Patrick's Elementary and High School in Vancouver became a member of the Order of St. Joseph's Convent at age 16 and taught in Ontario, Alberta and BC schools. Upon leaving the Convent, Gerri obtained an Undergraduate degree at UBC and a Doctorate at Oregon State University. She later taught at Oregon State and Eastern Washington Universities. She joined the Bahá'í community in 1974.

Amongst her many achievements one that stands out happened after her retirement. In Powell River, BC, Gerri founded the Willing Hearts International Society, Canada. That work and her love of teaching lead to several years of volunteering at schools in Chad and Cameroon, Africa. Her most recent work included volunteering at the Community Justice Centre, Courtenay, BC and acting as educational advisor to schools in India.

Gerri lived her life with gusto, with joy and love, with great certitude in her faith, showing to us all that devotion and service to God and a vivacious love of life are not mutually exclusive. Gerri has gone home. She is where she has her whole life prepared herself to be, with God.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the wonderfully kind and caring professional services provided to Geraldine, the Doctors Veerapen, Kask, and Jordan, the Home Care Nurses, Home Support Nurses and Attendants, the Hospice Society, Pharmacists and Staff at the Campbell River Hospital, and the Paramedics.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Gerri’s life will be held on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at Sutton’s Campbell River Funeral Home, 502 South Dogwood Street, Campbell River, BC. A Reception will follow the Service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Campbell River Hospital, the Campbell River Hospice Society, or the charity of your choice.

Sutton’s
Campbell River Funeral Home
“In care of Arrangements”
250-287-4812