Geraldine Frances Bowdren passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025 in Bethany, Pennsylvania. She was 95.

Born on August 6, 1929, in the Bronx, she was a proud “city girl” who cherished her Bronx roots and nurtured her family with love and laughter. Geraldine, known affectionately as “Gerry”, was delighted to share stories of her childhood in the city where she cultivated her lifelong resilience, quick wit, and unshakable devotion to family.

She was predeceased by her charming husband of 55 years, Kenneth J. Bowdren. His humor and steadfast love were a perfect complement to her strength and tenacity. Together they built a life filled with laughter, faith and an ever-growing family. Gerry was also predeceased by her granddaughter, Celeste and son-in-law, John.

Gerry was the beloved mother to eight children: Patt (Jim), Pam, Lynne, Geri (Bill), Bridget (Gregg), Beth (Steve), Kenny (Nancy), and Maureen. Her guidance, love and “creative” parenting developed a foundation that extended far beyond her immediate family.

She was Grandma to 23 grandchildren, whose lives she touched deeply: Celeste, Victoria, Jennifer, JJ, Timothy, Jeffrey, Morgan, John, Matt, Luke, Melissa, Nicole, Rob, Kate, Gregg, Aileen, Sean, Ashley, Ben, Brianna, Amanda, Max and Charlie. Known affectionately as “Triple G”, she was also blessed with 35 great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

After raising her family, Gerry embarked on a career with the Sullivan County Department of Social Services, where her compassion and dedication was commended and feared. In her later years, she found joy in retiring to St. Augustine, Florida with Ken. They loved to travel, and their favorite past-time was to sip on a whiskey (her) and an ale (him) and talk about their family. She shined at family gatherings where her sharp memory and quick humor kept all entertained, telling stories that bridged generations and kept her family’s rich legacy alive.

Gerry’s life was a testament to the power of love, resilience and family. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the generations she nurtured.

A Catholic Mass and “proper” (living up to her standards) celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in her honor. Gerry was a lifelong donor to St. Jude’s.

The family wishes to acknowledge Bethany Village and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff for their dedication and kindness in caring for Mom over the last five years.