Marjorie Geraldine (Gerrie) Edgington went home to be with the Lord on November 4, 2009, after a courageous 16-month battle with breast cancer. Born on April 16, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as Marjorie Geraldine Gallagher, Gerrie (a namesake given by her brothers) moved with the family to the San Gabriel Valley when she was six years old. In 1962, Gerrie married Thomas Edgington, and, three years later, the two moved to Saugus, Calif., to raise their family.
Gerrie was a devoted wife to Tom and mother to her four children, a gracious mother-in-law, a loving grandmother to 11 grandchildren, and a motherly figure to countless others she touched with her warmth over the years. Gerrie loved the Lord, and served him in many capacities. As a long-time member of Bouquet Canyon Church, she taught numerous Bible studies, Good News Clubs, Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible Schools. She was a law-enforcement wife, who was involved in civic, community and Christian support groups and organizations. In more recent years, Gerrie was an active member of the Quilt-‘N-Eat group, the Santa Clarita Valley Quilt Guild and the Santa Clarita Valley Antique Automobile Club.
Gerrie is survived by her husband, Tom; their children: Joanne (Chris Henning) of Castaic, Calif., Donna (David Beaver) of Santa Clarita, Calif., Diane (Derik Lindsey) of Santa Clarita, Calif., and Tom Edgington, Jr., of Glendale, Calif.; her 11 grandchildren: Julia, Claire and Jameson Henning; Joel and Jared Beaver; Jesse, Zachary and Brennan Silgero, Devin and Dakota Lindsey, and Sara Michon; her sister, Patricia Cale of Las Vegas, Nev.; and many nieces and nephews.
Gerrie's Favorite Hymn
Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
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63 comments:
There are not enough words to describe how wonderful Gerrie was as my wife, my companion, my lover, my confidant and most of all my best friend. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was beautiful on the outside. Gerrie had charm, poise, intelligence and a captivating smile. Gerrie was a great homemaker who loved her children and grandchildren immensely. Gerrie possessed a warmth in her heart for everyone she met. She was compassionate to listen to others needs and offered help at all times. She thrilled at our drives across country visiting our many relatives spread out across the land, and looked for all the quilt shops along the way :) Gerrie absolutely loved quilting. She made many beautiful quilts and I always admired the quality of her hand stitching. She just had the knack for coming up with the most unique patterns and designs. I will miss Gerrie deeply. I truly believe, as she did, that God brought us together; that we were meant for each other. Life will have a BIG void in it for me without her. I will always love her.
I love my grandma and she always made me laugh. Once when I was at her house, I needed help with my math homework. I asked her for help and I could see that she didn't understand it either. So instead of just saying,"I don't get it," she asked if I wanted any nachos. I said I didn't want anything because she sure does keep your stomach full. But in about 5 minutes, she came back with a plate of apples. I really miss Grandma and I'm sure everyone who knew her does too.
I thought of Gerrie as my sister not my sisteri-law. She always seem to know the anwers. I know she loved her family and Tom very much. But most of all she loved the Lord. Warm hearted and a smile on her face,she touch everyone live she came into contact with. I will miss her. And to all the family, the door is open!
Deborah Alford
Georgia
Her quiet strength. Her ability to comfort. We will always remember what a incredible support she was to all the Uelmen family when we lost Mona. We are sure they are having a joyous reunion now.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Tom and all the family. May your grief be less as time passes but we will never forget her.
With much love, Jerry and Martha Uelmen
Gerrie was warm and gentle to all those around her. She always had a smile and hug. She was a prayer warrior! She loved her family. She was always there for them. I will miss her teaching the children at our church. I will miss her sweet presence. I know she is with her Lord now. No longer in the pain that this world causes.
My life was touched by knowing Gerrie. Her words, kindness and gentleness will stay with me always!
Gerrie will always evoke happy memories for us. She possessed a rare quality of making whoever she came in contact with feel special. To us, she was a ray of sunshine and the epitome of a real lady. We have all been blessed to have her in our lives. She will always live in our hearts and not be forgotten. We love her.
Ted & Judy Melden
i love my grandma. i remember that when ever she would pick me up from school she would always say "I have to go to the store" and she would go up and down every isle and say " would you like this or this,whats your favorite ice cream". i also remember at church she would always sing songs that she didnt know "oh no you never let go giving me hugs and kisses oh no"im sure alot of people loved my grammy because i always loved her
Oh my, I had forgotten about Good News Clubs; how we worked on those backgrounds and the hours spent punching out the figures. How many kids' lives we touched!!!
Gerrie's loving kindness and thoughtful words to me during my time of grief, will always be held in my heart and memory forever! Even in her weakness she offered me strength! A truely marvelous Christian who I will enjoy visiting with when we are all in Heaven with Our Lord!
I loved the inner strength of Gerrie and her heart to touch others. What a sweet, wonderful person. Every thought I have of her brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. She was such a gift to POLO. Her morsels of wisdom, her smiles, her hugs... She graced the lives of many and was an encouragement to all. Gerrie touched my life personally in ways that warm my heart to this day, and I will treasure forever. It was always great to chat, brainstorm, and pray with Gerrie. We shared great laughs as well as tears. Gerrie was one of the "real" people. What a privilege to have known her.
Gini Everett (Thomas)
My earliest memories include Gerrie. In the beginning she was my mom's friend and our babysitter. Later she was instrumental in leading our family to Christ. Through shared tragedies and victories,daily life and Christian growth, my mom and Gerrie modeled true friendship for all of us girls who gathered around Gerrie'e kitchen table to learn about life. Gerrie became my friend too and later the link to my mom. I could count on her to cheer me on and encourage me to press on. In Psalm 116, the Psalmist states, " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Its difficult for us to understand God's view of things when we hurt so deeply, but I take courage in the fact that she is wih Him and He is very happy.
We came to your house, a LONG time ago, when Autumn and Shannon were really little. Your mom was really sweet to them and they fell in love with her. Once we got home they could not remember her name, so they called her "The Nice Lady". She was the only person we knew with that name and that's the way we will remember her.
Gerrie was truly a wonderful woman who we were blessed to know... she was a wonderful "cops" wife and helped so many of us young wives figure out how to be a support and encouragement to our law-enforcement husbands. Gerrie always had a kind word and sweet smile and such a gracious way about her. She loved the Lord and we all saw that in all she said and did. Her amazing family of children and grandchildren are a testament to this woman of strength and grace. I know she will be missed but her loving legacy will live on in the heart's of each of her family and friends.
Gerrie was such a lovely lady and will be missed greatly. I am sorry for you loss. I have really great memories of Gerrie growing up in the Saugus area. She had such a kind and compassionate spirit. She made you feel listened to and special.
Tom, know that the Lord is there to be a support for you and your family during this time of sorrow. Ask, and he will listen. Through my mom's own death did I realize how much He is there to comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What a beautiful tribute page you have created!! Diane has been a true friend to me over the past several years, and it is through that friendship that I was lucky enough to meet Gerrie. I knew that she had to be a special person, as she raised such a wonderful daughter, and I wasn't disappointed. She had such a soft, sweet, caring, accepting demeanor and it made you feel good just to be around her! She was a woman who absolutely adored her family . . . her husband, children, and grandchildren! Recently, my husband went through some serious health issues, and even though Gerrie was going through her own health battles and chemotherapy, she still took the time to think of us and send us a card letting us know that she was praying for us. I will never forget that kindness. I know that she is in a better place now and is with our Lord. As hard as death is, this knowledge is what will help her family and friends survive the sting of losing her. God Bless all of the Edgington family; our prayers are with you!
I don't really think I can find the words to fully describe just how amazing Gerrie was and how much we will all miss her. She was a true gem. Always kind, always loving and the most compassionate person I think I have ever known. She was always reaching out to hold a hand, wrap you in a hug or just give a look of love that meant so much. More obvious than anything, though, was the true and abundant love Gerrie had for her family. To watch her around all of them was a gift in itself and will be something that I miss most of all.
To her wonderful family, please know that we are here for you and love you so much. Gerrie's love and goodness is alive in all of you and always will be. We were all blessed to know her and a part of her will live in us as well. We thank God for bringing her into our lives.
I've known the Edgington's since the early 60's when my mom, dad and I moved in next door on Newbird and lived there til the late 70's. My formative years for sure; while my folks made the trek to L.A. and Burbank to work I was fortunate to be embraced by the ultimate Mother Goose; Gerrie Edgington who took me under her wing as one of her own gaggle and loved me unconditionally from that day on! I loved this woman who became the mother of my heart-strings! As a young child so frustrated by being over weight and lonely; Gerrie taught me about God's Love! She truly lived each and every day as to WWJD and now when I'm faced with a grumpy neighbor or situation I may not like or become stubborn about... I remind myself; WWGD... bring cookies and hugs!!!
I learned many life lessons living nextdoor to Tom and Gerrie and to be reminded of staying on the good side of the law when faced with driving and dating... Thanks Tom!!!
Love Tom, Gerrie and family as they are my own. I am only sorry that miles and years separated us but please remember that our hearts and memories never do...I can see her smile and laugh, she wouldn't let you be down for long!
Our backyard and block parties were the best and when my mom and Gerrie would have a couple glasses of wine and giggle like girls... there are so many memories!!!
What a truly beautiful family you all are as Tom's kept me up to date with Christmas cards and now e'mails this past year... Thank you Tom!!! Loved the pictures of the family from this Summer at the Lake, looked like a blast! Hold eachother tight... know that you are all thought of and prayed for daily. God Bless you and may your family love and strength together get you through this sad time!
Love You All Always and Forever,
Ronda (Wiens) Graves
To know Gerri, you only need to look at her children. She and Tom have raised them to be strong, gentle, caring and giving adults. They will carry on her legacy of ACTIVELY loving and serving God by their love and service to others. She will always be her through them. I am so blessed that God allowed our paths to cross and that she was a part of my life.
Vern & Valorie Mick
No.Little Rock, AR
The first day I met Gerrie, I was sitting at the home of an officers wife, for my first time at the Peace officers wives group. I was pregnant with my now 18 year old daughter. Gerrie was sitting next to me and knew that I was new. She said something funny (can't remember) but from that moment on, we were friends. More than friends. For years I would tell her, I think you and my Mom would be great friends, if I could get you two to meet. Well, somewhere down the road, I got my wish, and the two of them made a bond. Then they would tell their husbands the same thing, that they should meet, because they would be great friends. Again, they met, and the four of them were history. I loved everything about my friend Gerrie. But what I love the most is how she loved me. She was there for me at a time in my life that I was very alone. She was my Mom when my Mom was far away in distance. She knew what I needed and gave it, unselfishly. I know that I will never know another soul like Gerrie. I just feel so in awe that God granted me with the blessing of knowing her and for bringing her into my life.
~Maria Gowin
I loved Gerrie. I'll miss her every day. She was the consummate friend - always caring, always wise, always listening, always praying, always there. She taught me how to be a better person through her example and through just her being her.
We did Bible studies together, prayed together, baked, wept and laughed together. She was my friend.
I know a light has gone out for all of us but I also know that she is now laughing and running in heaven - all new and free from pain. I know she's seeing and hearing things that are wonderful and beautiful beyond imagining. I know there's a balcony in heaven where she can see us here grieving for her and that she would say - "I want you to rejoice and go on living joyfully the life Christ has given you." She has become part of the "great cloud of witnesses" in heaven who have gone on before. I know she'll smile and wait for us there. I know she would not want us to spend our lives grieving but to make each day count and pass on the legacy she left her family and friends - to love and have compassion on all we meet. I'll miss her every day. She was my friend. I loved her.
My grandma is the best there will ever be. She always cared, what ever the case was. Grandma quilted like there was no tomorrow. She loved like there was no tomorrow. She was very loved and we'll all miss her very much. Grandma was a special lady!
Niece Kimberly Jo “Benadum” Bey & Donald Allen Bey
UNCLE TOM & Family,
Wow, did you hit the nail on the head on your posting. Within the short time I actually was able to really finally get to know your guys that was exactly what Don and I were remembering. Don specifically says “She was a very Sweet Women and it is such a shame. He has never met such a “Sweetheart” like Aunt Gerrie. She had an unbelievable ability to embrace any human being. Her poise, charm, the warmth that she radiated to others and her “gentle” touch & voice will be with me forever. Her observation and unspoken words and understanding was impeccable. At times I felt robbed with us being in OHIO and you in California. Back in our growing up years in the 60’s & 70’s we were not blessed to have the beauty of the internet like today. To really stay connected to our love ones in the way we can now. It was because of the era that we came from. It robbed us of really having you as a part of our family in the way a family really should be. I remember the support and love she gave Mom and in her hours of need and the talks and reminiscing of your youthfully years as siblings. What fun and also sad stories. The nacho story that Jared shared makes me laugh. That is exactly what she was like. That’s really funny. As I read the others postings about Aunt Gerrie each and every one of them I nod my head and say yes, that is exactly what she was like. I cry for knowing what she and her family went through and I know if she was still here she would be embracing us all with her hugs. You truly were a very lucky man Uncle Tom, to have snatched her up. Your summer vacation pictures this year speaks to you and says she was so blessed to have such a "wonderful" family. I know your lives will never be the same; losing her freezes you in time, but her legacy lives on in you and her family. May God hold you tight in your hours of need. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I Love you. . .
Daughter of Rhona G. "Houser" & Joe Benadum, Jr.
Kim & Don Bey
Gahanna, Ohio
My Grandma was fun, nice, and enjoyable. I miss her everyday. I miss her laughs, songs, and sharing her stuff with us. She would come to my football games and encourage me. My favorite thing to do with her was to tell her jokes. She would laugh and encourage me to do more. My Grandma was the best Grandma ever!!
It's been over a dozen years since we last saw Gerrie and over thirty years since we first met at Bouquet Church. Gerrie was a real model of what a Christian woman should be: devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and to her husband and children; gentle; faithful; caring; courageous. In the twenty years that I knew her, she was a shining light to me, showing me without words what I should be as a believing wife and mother. My wish is that I might live up to the example that she set for me and for others as well. My love and sympathy and that of my husband Bill go to Tom and the children and grandchildren.
When I think of Gerrie, I think of warm smiles, generous hugs and most of all Encouragement. She was a gift from God and she used her gift of encouragement in all she did and everyone she touched. I remember teaching 5th & 6th graders with her during VBS. It was my first time teaching kids this age and my first time teaching VBS. I was soooo nervous and had no idea what I was going, but she continually encouraged me and after teaching with her I was hooked and have continued to teach ever since. I cherish the last couple of years getting to know Gerrie better during Monday night ladies bible study. She always thought of others needs before her own and she had such a servants heart. I recall going through 301 together (Discovering My Ministry) and at the end we all shared with each other what we thought our spiritual gifts where ... she shared that she thought she had the gifts of Encouragement and Service and reading through these posts it's obvious that Gerrie used her gifts to minister to many. I feel blessed to have known her and my heart breaks for Tom and the whole family; her passing leaves a great void... but I'm also conforted in knowing she lived a fruitful life, a life filled with love, and she is now enjoying her many treasures in heaven with our Lord.
Gerrie was my mentor in my own battle with breast cancer and always so upbeat and supportive in helping me with my fight against cancer. Just a few weeks ago she told me that when she recovered she wanted to drive other women, who might not have as much loving support as we did, to and from their chemo treatments. She was a true friend and will be really missed.
Love, Anne
Gerri was our best friend, travel buddy and confidant. Our road trip back to the Mid-West was one of the high-lights of our life. Gerrie was able to generate laughter in your heart when the world turned darkest. She will be missed but we will always have many beautiful memories of our times together. With all our love,
Charlie and Rose
If I were to choose one word to describe Gerrie it would be 'nurturing'. She had a natural abillity and God-given desire to care for those around her. Gerrie was like a wonderful mother hen, always making sure her little chicks were okay - and every person she met seemed to become one of her dear charges. She was a special friend.
I loved Gerrie very much. In her quiet strength and peaceful encouragement she encouraged me often. When I felt at my lowest she would give me one of those hugs. You all know those kind of hugs. And I knew that God was right there in those arms. I will miss those arms of encouragement. I will also miss the precious time I had teaching with her. Also, just being with her when I could. I learned so much when I was with her. She was a picture of the Proverbs 31 women. I will miss her greatly.
Gerrie had the countenance of peace, God's peace, even when she may have been struggling herself. When she entered a space, I always felt that she literally brought that peace to bear physically on that room...quite a rare thing indeed, even in our Christian circles.
I remember being a 20-something,(now a 50 something..oy vey), new to L.A. and meeting her at a Bouquet Baptist Church gathering. She seemed to know who I was right off and gave me a word of encouragement. Best of all a few years down the road, Tom and Gerrie gave us their "stamp of approval" and a sort of honorary membership into their family as we celebrated the famous (in L.A. at least..) double wedding of Donna and Joanne in our yard.
Now, years later, Tom and Gerrie's 'heritage of faith' blossoms and blesses our times as the family tree spreads abroad, all bearing in some way Gerrie's reflection, the countenance of God's peace on earth and his goodwill that she wore. Thank you Gerrie; we'll see you at the House.
Elaine and I had the great fortune and blessing of being neighbors in the same housing tract and members of Bouquet Canyon Church with the Edgington's so many years ago. With our children growing up together as best friends, Elaine and I always felt so blessed that our girls; Ginger, Dusty, and Christina had such well grounded friends. Of course it was more than just being well behaved and proper, it was the love of our gracious Lord which flowed in abundance through their lives and showed in their faces and actionss. It wasn't difficult to locate the funnel thru whom God poured these qualities into the Edgington kids; it was Gerrie!
I was very blessed to have come to the Lord at Bouquet; and to later to take an active part in the Youth Program there. As a small church, there was a time that we could not afford a youth pastor, so all of us families with children just stepped up to work together to provide programs and activities for the kids. As leader of the Youth, I never had to even ask Gerrie for help; she was always right there asking me what could she and Tom do to help!
Gerrie's leadership qualities were always apparent; but it was her wonderful ability to encourage others which defined her most; that and her love for the Lord.
I remember when I took the Youth Group to the Rose Parade in Pasadena ( to spend the night before on the street), that Tom came up to me and said very sternly, "Jack, it you weren't a fellow cop, and a Christian, I would never let you take my girls to that place". I remember that Gerrie just smiled tolerantly at Tom and then at me and said "let them go dad, they are in God's hands".
I wish that all families could have the pleasure and blessings of having neighbors and friends like Tom and Gerrie. I also wish that kids now days could have such great Christian friends such as the Edgington kids. My kids did! Thank you Gerrie!
Jack and Elaine Castleberry,
Sacramento, Calif.
The 1st time I met Gerrie I liked her immediately. I didn't know she would be my mother-in-law some day. Gerrie always treated my kids and I with love and respect. Anything that was important to us was important to her also. She knew I was kind of a picky eater and she would always make me a special plate for all the family gatherings. She always, I mean always put other people 1st. Her outlook on things was never negative. Gerrie helped Diane and I through some very tough times whether it was court related or cancer related she always made me feel like everything would be ok. I wish I could have had more time with her. I loved her and I miss her alot.
I remember,
Holding you in my arms the first hour of your life.
I remember,
My sweet baby sister that I could dress up and show off to my friends.
I remember,
Your being my Flower Girl at my wedding, so pretty in pink.
I remember,
You spending Christmas eve as a young teen helping assemble toys for 5 nieces and nephews.
I remember,
You trying to teach me the Cha Cha Cha and not once agreeing with me that I had 2 Left feet.
I remember,
Being so proud of the lovely Bride you were and that you allowed me to be your Matron of Honor.
I remember,
Spending evenings speaking of all our hopes and dreams for our families. Looking in the Bible, pondering God's plan for us, looking sometimes in different places, but always on the same page.
Of all who mourn you I am the most fortunate. I had your unconditional love for the longest time.
Every time I looked into your eyes I saw myself as special. That was the great gift you gave to all who knew you.
I thank God for giving you to us.
Farewell, my sister, 'til we meet again.
The lives Gerrie touched are better for having known her. As very young wives and mothers, several of us formed was functioned as "law enforcement family support" group. We helped one another through difficult challenges and watched our families grow. With a wiser heart I realize Gerrie's special gift to us was helping us understand patience and forgiveness. I know Gerrie, Mona and Bob have had a great reunion. I was blessed to have had Gerrie as a FRIEND. Lovingly, Norma
I have nothing but wonderfully fond memories of "Mrs. Edgington". To this day, I rock babies to sleep softly singing "horsey, horsey, on your way . . ." over and over and over again - a song she taught me long ago and for some reason has become a part of me. I remember her laugh and her warm smile. I know I will see her again some day. My love to the entire Edgington family in your sadness. Be so proud of your mom. She was lovely.
Gerrie,
You are one of the few friends I have who are right now in glory embracing the Lord. You have been a wonderful example of a godly woman who serves the Lord and the body of Christ. I pray that your kids and grandkids continue to follow your example, so that they will one day be able to enter into glory and once again embrace you just as I hope to do one day.
With love, your brother in Christ,
Cory Abouaf
I was fortunate to become friends with Gerrie's daughter Donna at Alpha Beta in 1982. Soon afterwards, I met the Edgington family. Gerrie welcomed me into her home like I was one of her own. She loved being with her children and their friends, just talking and hanging out. Later she was there for me when I married my husband Steve who is a Deputy like her husband Tom. It really helped to have someone who had been through the long hours of shift work and being scared they might not come home safely. When I had my own two daughters she was there to help me from the baby years to them becoming young ladies. I did get to help Gerrie with some things though. She would say, “Sue can you come over and help me organize my sewing room.” I would come over and we would work a little. Then she would say “Would you like a diet Pepsi or something to eat” and we would talk about other things, never getting back to her sewing room. That’s what I loved most about Gerrie. She didn’t take having an organized sewing room seriously. She wanted to live life with her husband, children, grandchildren and their friends. I’m blessed to be a part of this amazing family. You’ll always be in my thoughts and prayers.
A beautiful spirit just passed by our way
Sadly we see she could no longer stay
She knew that her lord just needed her there
The quiltworks of heaven need her special care
I will spend all my days hoping to reflect the grace and goodness I learned at Gerrie's side.
Susie Bakman
Gerrie was a very special woman. She always had a genuine smile for everyone she met. Always very gracious and loving. She always had something nice to say about everyone she met. We shared a love for Amy Grant songs, and I always tried to sing one when it was my turn for special music. She will be missed by EVERYONE she knew.
See you on that "Mountain Top" Gerrie!
The gentle soul that was Gerrie upon the earth, walked in the footsteps of Jesus. She was a woman of persistent prayer,timely encouragement, & consistent
compassion.
Full of faith, hopeful of heart, and lavish with love, Gerrie exemplfied what a fully devoted disciple of Jesus is like.
To spend time with her was like coming home to a 1950's mom, only ten times better. A gifted listener, giving her complete attention whenever you were talking, she was also a caring conversationalist, able to see into the heart, & humbly share pearls of wisdom that always made you the richer.
I miss Gerrie deeply, but I know that her legacy lives on in the lives of her family and the many people she touched, myself included. Even now as I remember her face, and reflect upon her eyes, it was and is like looking at Jesus.
Ron & Brenda Hanney
She was one of my first friends I made when I moved here 18 years ago. Where else?..in a quilting class. In my 80+ years I have not known anyone as warm, caring and giving as Gerrie. She wasn't perfect, like the time she tried to fix an imperfect quilt block with glue, but in my book, she ranks as "One of the Best of the Best". I'll miss her most for her gentle manner, her quick smile, her infectious humor and her companionship.
Dearest Gerrie,
I was hoping to see you one last time on this earth but God had other plans. You are now in Heaven with my Walt. You will always have a special place in my heart. I will miss you forever.
Mary Thomson
Gerrie, is one in a million. I was blessed to see her monthly to do her hair. She would allways say, "Fix me Honey". I will miss her sense of humor. She really puts a smile on my face every time I saw her. Tom, I love you and The Anes feel blessed to know your family for so long. You done good!!!
The Edginton home was always a place of warmth and security for me. Whether we were sitting around the kitchen table doing homework or just eating popcorn and talking, Mrs. Edgington always made me feel like I was one of the family. When I think of those times it brings great joy to my heart. She was a wonderful lady who showed the love of Jesus to all she met. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and my love to you all.
Terri(Jones)Gasper
Gerrie understood what it was to graciously accept others in the name of her Lord. To come into her home, something I did frequently when I came into association and lasting friendship with her daughter and son-in-law, Jo and Chris, was to be important in her eyes. I was privileged to watch her love Jesus through her actions at church as well. What a wonderful woman of God Gerrie was.
If the chief end of man is to glorify God, something I know Gerrie believed and lived, then she can enter into her rest having accomplished her chief end and we are all aided along in that journey as well because of her.
Thank you, Gerrie.
Gerrie was a wonderful friend to my family. I had the good fortune to be a neighbor of the Edgington’s for several years of my adolescence and remember Gerrie fondly. Gerrie was remarkable to me because of the rare combination of qualities she exuded. Her kindness, ceaseless humility and grace, her loving and sincere manner with everyone I ever saw her interact with was extraordinary. She seemed to always find the best in people. I cherish how comforting and encouraging she was with my mother, father, sister and me during my mother’s last months as she fought her own battle with cancer. Gerrie was encouraging and comforting. She prayed for us. My family is thankful Gerrie graced our lives and will always hold her dear in our hearts. I know her goodness will live on through all of us she inspired.
Gerrie was such a blessing in our lives. The date of Gerrie's birth and the date of her death is not as important as what she did between those dates. She lived a life of faith and her beautiful spirt always shined through in all she did. Gerrie and I became friends from the time we were in grammer school and in scouts together. We feel blessed that we kept our friendship with Tom & Gerrie all these years. We will miss Gerrie deeply. She was a dear friend. We pray that God will bless and comfort Tom and his family.
With Loving Thoughts
Bob & Karon Locke
Wow! I don't know how to even to begin to describe the goodness that was Gerrie Edgington. She was one of the kindest and most generous persons I have ever, ever known. She was the best example of a really "good" human being. The rest of the world should study her take on life. Her soul was beautiful and I know that she is dwelling with God in comfort. Gerrie handled her illness with dignity and grace and was always more concerned for others than herself. I have never known a more perfect human being. We shared a lot of stories about being connected to these guys of the LASD and she handled it better than any wives I have known. I love her and will miss her so much.
It has been an honor to have know her.
- Jane Conklin
To know Gerrie was a gift from God. We attended the same church and it was such a joy to see her there worshipping our Lord and Savior. Several times Gerrie and I drove to Las Vegas to visit family. The two of us would talk for 5 hours straight and laugh so much about the funny stories that we each shared about family and friends. All good! We talked about how wonderful God had blessed each of us. On our return home, we talked another 5 hours without telling the same stories twice. Gerrie was a very special friend to me. She was also my quilting buddy. She was a wonderful quilter and taught me a lot about making quilts. I will miss my dear friend!
What I want to share about this beautiful daughter of God is not so much specific memories but that feeling that I always had when I was near her.
Being near Gerrie was like being wrapped up in a soft favorite security blanket. She had a way of getting you to drop all pretense and just share what was on your heart openly. There was never exhorting but encouragement and above all there was peace. I always came away from spending time with her feeling peaceful. Gerrie led with a quiet certainty that our Lord had everything in hand even if things looked bleak to us.
Although she has crossed the river ahead of us I will look forward with great eagerness to a reunion with her when we will have all of the time in eternity to visit and 'catch up' with each other.
I will always love my "Auntie Gerrie". I will forever hold her close to my heart. She was always a true comfort and mentor to me as a little girl and as well as a grown woman. Everything was safe and always ok in her arms. Her reasurring words and encouragement meant so much to me and she would never forget to pray for me. I will miss her dearly, and look forward to seeing her again someday. I can just see her now, her face all aglowing as she finds comfort and everlasting love in her Heavenly Father's arms.
I love you my "Auntie Gerrie
I loved team teaching Vacation Bible School with Gerrie. She was a great teacher of the word, but an even greater teacher of life. She knew and loved God's word, but more importantly she lived it every day and wanted to make sure that others knew how to live it out. I will never forget how she quietly and with great dignity instilled values of honor and respect in practical ways into the children. We will all miss her sweet presence so much, but what she stood for lives on in the many lives she touched and changed on a daily basis.
I have had the great honor of being Gerrie's pastor for the past five years, and during that time we developed a strong and meaningful friendship. I especially grew to know her during a weekly prayer meeting. The group would sing songs of worship together and then pray earnestly for those in need, for the other churches in our valley, for missionaries, for governmental leaders, for other nations, etc. It was always a wonderful time of touching the heart of God together and it really bonded us. Even when Gerrie became sick, she was faithful to come and pray for others as often as she could.
When I first came to Bouquet Canyon Church, Gerrie was always encouraging and she really embraced me as her pastor. I was very aware of my inadequacies, so I would have been happy to be merely tolerated. But Gerrie truly loved me and she did so unconditionally. I can’t express how meaningful that was to me. Jesus Christ said that His disciples would be recognized by their love for one another. By that measure, Gerrie was a true disciple of Jesus. She was always very eager to find new ways to serve and minister to others. In the final months of her time on Earth she expressed to me that she didn’t yet feel ready to leave. She wanted to serve the Lord more and minister to others longer. Hers was a heart that could never give enough, serve enough, or love enough. If the goal of a disciple of Jesus is to follow in His footsteps and learn to be like Him and love like Him, He must be very pleased with Gerrie. I have no doubt that He has now welcomed her into His arms with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
I praise the Lord for Gerrie and the impact she has had on our lives. I praise Him that her legacy of love and kindness will live on through her kids and grandkids and all those she touched. I look forward to being reunited with her in heaven, sharing a really long, heartfelt hug, and once again singing songs of worship to Jesus together.
Billy Ford
It was a blessing to arrive in Santa Clarita to be with our dear sister, Gerrie, and offer prayer with her...the evening before her falling asleeep in the Lord. The wonderful times we had together throughout the years...when visiting with Tom & Gerrie in California and when they visited with our family in Ohio...will always be cherished. Truly, her life is reflected in words of Holy Scripture...
Selected from Proverbs, 31"A woman of valor who can find? Her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain. She doeth him good and not evil, All the days of her life. She looketh well to the ways of her household, And a portion for her maidens. Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she laugheth at the time to come. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, And the law of livingkindness is on her tongue. Her children rise up and call her blessed, Her husband also, and he praiseth her: 'Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.' Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain, But a woman that revereth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates." For we have the promise of Christ that we will see our sister again! We impart this final thought...may her memory be eternal and may her kindness and love be always inscribed in the hearts and minds of her husband, son, daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews...forever and ever.
I came to first know Gerrie when my husband, newborn child and myself moved in the house next door. Tom and Gerrie came to be like second parents to us always offering us with their help, kind words, and friendship.
Gerrie truly had a heart of gold. Her demeanor was always one of calmness and togetherness and she was always smiling and offered good advice to me as my family grew bigger and life seemed more hectic. Her words were always supportive and she always seemed to understand whatever it was that I was going through. When I decided to go back to school to become a teacher, she was like a cheerleader routing me on.
To my three children, Tom and Gerrie were always like 2nd grandparents to them, as my husband's parents are both deceased and they jumped in to happily take on that role. Even with 11 grandchildren, they would buy my children Christmas presents every year...I know Gerrie had a big part of doing that!
Gerrie, being the nurturer that she was, offered me Airborne when I was coming down with a cold. She swore by them that they would help and I believed her. This was at the time that Airborne first came out and not knowing any better, I popped them in my mouth and starting chewing on them. We laughed so hard after she kindly told me that they were suppose to be added to water. Thank goodness because they tasted horribly! I still take Airborne when I am starting to feel sick and laugh each time with this memory.
Diane and I have been friends since high school and I remember the first time I met her mother, Gerrie. I immediately felt welcome and comfortable with her. She was always so nice and easy to be around. She also had this unexpected kind of humor that just made you feel that she was comfortable around you too. In recent years, I only got to see Gerrie once again when I moved back to the Santa Clarita Valley, but I was instantly reminded of what a special person she was. And then hearing all of those wonderful stories about her at the memorial service made me realize she touched so many more lives that I could have ever imagined. It was a beautiful tribute to such a rare and wonderful woman. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends as I know she is and will always be deeply missed.
Memories of Gerrie keep popping up. Allison recently reminded me that it was Gerrie who taught us the Hokey-Pokey. My aunt has a refrigerator magnet that asks, “What if the Hokey-Pokey is what it’s all about?" After the memorial service I’m thinking that being available is what it’s all about.
Here’s Allison’s and my tribute song ‘Round Gerrie’s Table.
We realize now we’re older
What a rare thing it must be
To be raised in the loving arms
Of friends and family
We were given lots of freedom
And we spent it hard at play
But when we needed our mom’s guidance
Anytime throughout the day
We always know just where they could be found
Chorus: Gathered ‘round Gerrie’s table
Planning out the day
Drinking coffee
And passing time away
Gathered ‘round Gerrie’s table, gathered ‘round
The teenage years bring trouble
We made mischief like the rest
But when it came to sound advice
We always got the best
As we inched on toward adulthood
We found ourselves lingering
Joining in the conversation
Wandering what our lives would bring
It was there that we found our common ground
Chorus
We’ve long since went our own way
And have children of our own
But we’ve a sound patchwork of wisdom
That has carefully been sewn
Into the fabric of our being
It’s become the legacy
That we’ll tenderly hand down
To our children’s families
We close our eyes and we’re back where love abounds
Chorus
It this worked you can hear it at the link below. It’s a work in progress.
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=6q_ECBSmUNU&next=%2Fmy_videos%3Fpi%3D0%26ps%3D20%26sf%3Dadded%26sa%3D0%26dm%3D1
It has taken me so long to write about my mom because I feel there are not words to adequately express what she meant to me, nor are there words to say how much I will miss her. It is hard to face the future without my mom. Who will I call when I’m about to “tork” and loose it with my kids? Who will give me a clearer perspective? Who can I vent and say how I really feel, and yet know I am still loved and understood? Who will continue to point my eyes toward heaven and encourage me to trust God?
Over the past month, I have realized my mom is gone physically, but parts of her are still here. I see her when I go visit my dad. I see how she last left her things that meant so much to her. I see her in her sewing room. Most of all I see her in my dad’s eyes when he talks about her and tells me stories I had never heard before.
I hear her in my sister’s voices when I call them to gripe, or to tell them my victory over cancer. I know my mom would have been so proud of me when I completed radiation. I heard her voice through my dad and sibling’s voices that day.
I feel her in my brother. He has that tender, nurturing spirit that she had. I know that when he put his arm around me and says, “Oh Di” it is not because he has to, but because he truly cares, just the way my mom did.
So, I’ve realized it is true, even though my mom is gone, and I don’t know some days how to do it with out her, I can find a piece of her in someone she loved. I think that is her greatest legacy!!!
Where do we begin...Words seem so inadequate to express how much Gerrie meant to our family. Her heart was so large and she was able to love so much. Our family was lucky enough to be embraced by the entire Edgington family. To our three boys Tom and Gerrie are grandpa and grandma, and they love our boys as if they are their own grandchildren.
Gerrie had a unique way of making us all feel special. She would always tell the boys how proud she was of them, what great plans God had for them, and what great men they would grow up to be. At times Allen and I would speak to Gerrie about things that were troubling us. Gerrie would listen and offer understanding, advice and prayer. She was a great listener who made you feel as if nothing was more important to her than listening to you. Her beautiful smile, kind heart, love and wisdom gave us strength and perspective to have faith and trust in God.
Gerrie was a true woman of faith, she emodied to us a godly woman who practiced the faith she lived. She impacted our lives so deeply through her quiet strength that when faced with difficult decisions, we often reflect on the advice we might receive from Gerrie. She was truely a fixture in our lives.
The boys each have their quilts that Gerrie made for them. Each one of these quilts was made with so much love. The boys wrap themselves in their quilts and feel as though grandma is giving them a great big hug.
One of my greatest memories of Gerrie is after I had given birth to Ryan. Being a new mom I was very unsure of myself. I remember Gerrie calling and asking how I was doing. I began crying and said I had to give Ryan his first bath, but wasn't sure how to bathe him. Gerrie came right over and gave Ryan his first bath. She reassured me that I would be a good mom. Her loving kindness and understanding helped put me at ease as I entered into this new role of my life.
There are so many things we can say about how much Gerrie has touched and inspired us and how deeply we miss her. We know she is with the Lord and we know we will see her again. We thank God every day for the gift and blessing of having Gerrie in our lives.
Love,
Allen, Valerie, Austin, Ryan & Cole...
To me Gerrie was always 'Mom'. I am so blesed to be close to my real Mom yet God gave me Gerrie too. My favorite story is how she would make Donna and I animal pancakes. D & I would crowd around her in the kitchen requesting our favorite animals. I was always amazed at how she could make anything we asked for. She never shooed us off, or made us go set the table...no, she gave us her time , attention, and , of course, the animal pancakes.
Now that I am a Mom I do this same thing with my children. The secret that I didn't discover, until later, is that none of us can really make the animals...it is just the magic of spending time together.
I am so thankful for the times I got to spend with 'Mom' and how she was a part of my childhood. Her examples of grace , mercy, love and kindness continue to echo in my life.
Susan Rayburn Chung
To me Gerrie was always 'Mom'. I am so blesed to be close to my real Mom yet God gave me Gerrie too. My favorite story is how she would make Donna and I animal pancakes. D & I would crowd around her in the kitchen requesting our favorite animals. I was always amazed at how she could make anything we asked for. She never shooed us off, or made us go set the table...no, she gave us her time , attention, and , of course, the animal pancakes.
Now that I am a Mom I do this same thing with my children. The secret that I didn't discover, until later, is that none of us can really make the animals...it is just the magic of spending time together.
I am so thankful for the times I got to spend with 'Mom' and how she was a part of my childhood. Her examples of grace , mercy, love and kindness continue to echo in my life.
Susan Rayburn Chung
Well,
she is in heaven, no doubt. being our home croud cheering us on.
My mom used to sing this song to me . . . to all of us. To know my mother was to have someone on your side--always.
I love you and miss you more than words can say. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for instilling in us all that we've needed to make it through this year and for giving us a wonderful family.
You and Me Against the World
"Tell me again, Mommy"
You and me against the world
Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world
When all the others turn their backs and walked away
You can count on me to stay
Remember when the circus came to town
How you were frightened by the clown
Wasn't it nice to be around someone that you knew
Someone who was big and strong and looking out for
You and me against the world
Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world
And for all the times we've cried I always felt that
God was on our side.
And when one of us is gone
And one of us is left to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Our memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you
Of you and me against the world
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