Geraldine 'Gerrie' Brenner Raymond

TRAVERSE CITY — Geraldine L. "Gerrie" Raymond, 89, of Traverse City, died peacefully Tuesday evening, March 29, 2011, at Traverse Manor. Born July 5, 1921, in Menominee, she was the daughter of the late John P. and Eva (Baun) Brenner. The Brenner family relocated to Gladwin in the mid 1920s, where Gerrie spent her childhood years. She graduated from Gladwin High School and furthered her education by attending Academy Sapho in Detroit for training in the art of fine French sewing.On Nov. 29, 1941, in Detroit, she married the love of her life, LaVerne G. "Jiggs" Raymond. Gerrie and Jiggs lived in West Branch for many years. She was very involved with St. Joseph Catholic Church and school. Gerrie was a gifted seamstress who made many vestments and altar cloths for the church. She also was a 4-H leader, teaching sewing.While living in the Traverse City area, Gerrie was very involved in and an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters and the Variety Club. The Raymonds loved to travel, and Gerrie was always the designated family photographer because of her excellent skills.She is survived by her five children, Mickey (Kathy) Raymond, of West Branch, Sally Mier, of Roscommon, John (Beatrice) Raymond, of Perry, Tim (Ann) Raymond, of Honor, and Amy Lewis, of Okemos; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Jiggs; and two brothers. Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home today, April 1, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m., where a rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be offered at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Anthony Citro will serve as the celebrant. A graveside service and burial will take place later in the day at Highland Cemetery in Gladwin. In remembrance of Gerrie, memorials may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Right to Life or to Hospice of Michigan. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home or church.The Raymond Family would like to extend a special thank you to Traverse Manor, Munson Medical Center and Hospice of Michigan for the excellent care given to Gerrie.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.