Geraldine Lee Walsh

Geraldine L. Walsh, 88, of Frederick, Maryland passed away peacefully on June 30, 2023.

Gerrie was born on March 1, 1935, to Anthony and Loretta Van De Ryt in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from Mt. Healthy High School in 1953 she continued her studies at the University of Cincinnati while also working at Procter & Gamble in their international operations division.

In February 1960, Gerrie met Gerald Walsh, and they wed in July 1960, going on to have four children, Doug, Chris, Pam and Kim.  Shortly after they wed and moved to Baltimore, MD, Gerrie and Gerry moved to Cebu, Philippines where they would spend two 2-year tours throughout the 1960s.  Gerrie often spoke of this adventure, with fond memories of experiencing a new culture and its people with her children and husband.  In the 1970s, Gerrie and the family spent much of the decade in New Iberia, Louisiana.  In the late 1970s, they were on the move once again, settling in Frederick, Maryland, where they would call home for most of the remainder of their lives.  In 1988, they returned to Cebu, Philippines for a 3-year tour, embracing the opportunities for their children to again experience other cultures and travel throughout southeast Asia.

Gerrie loved her family beyond measure.  She was a loyal and devoted wife, supporting Gerry through his career in leprosy research that took them all over the world.  Gerrie was a wonderful Mom, supporting her children through the many chapters of their lives.  She always said, “Things always look better in the morning.”  And Gerrie loved being a grandmother, from shopping for them for Christmas to spending weekends caring for them and attending games, birthday parties, and other milestones.

Gerrie was an artist, pianist, reader, traveler, gardener; she loved animals, especially birds, deer, and rabbits.  Gerrie was passionate and generous about helping others through her experiences as a mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  We will miss her greatly.

Gerrie was predeceased by her husband, Gerry, her sister, Marlene (Van De Ryt) Brabender, her brother, Thomas Van de Ryt, and her parents. She is survived by her four children, Douglas Walsh and wife, Ann Walsh; Christopher Walsh and wife, Barbara Walsh; Pamela Lynch and husband, Steven Lynch; and Kimberley Walsh, along with grandchildren Amy, Katie, Emma, Megan, Erin, Kaitlin, and William; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at a Celebration of Life on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes, P.A., 106 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, a prayer service at 11:00 am. Interment at 12:30 pm, at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery, Emmitsburg, MD, followed by reception at Carriage House in Emmitsburg, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick County in Gerrie’s name, to Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick MD 21701.