In memory of

Geraldine "Geri" McAllister

November 18, 1932 -  March 17, 2019

While surrounded by family, and serenaded with her favourite Irish folk tunes, on St. Patrick’s Day, our dear Irish Mom and Nan chose to depart this earth. So it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Geraldine “Geri” (Roe) McAllister. Daughter of the late George and Mary Roe, loving sister of the late Helen, Madeline, Iris and George, predeceased by husband John Terrence “Terry” McAllister, proud mother of Mary, Paul and Michael (Wyn Andress). Cherished Nan of Connor. “Cool” aunt of Mary, Barbara and Nadine. Doting great-aunt of Zachary and Thomas Budd.

Geri loved everything to do with children, which led her to her chosen career: teaching. She was a lifelong learner, pursuing her Bachelor of Arts (University of Toronto) and countless summer courses at OISE to become an even better teacher. She developed a passion for photography and could be seen more often behind the camera than in front of it, capturing family celebrations and cataloguing them as part of an immense collection of photo albums. She made up songs, wrote the best birthday poems, loved her bridge clubs, her friends, traveling (Florence was a favourite), was a devotee of Coronation Street, figure skating events and shopping (anywhere, anytime)!

Mom, we know that your “Irish eyes are smiling”, but we miss you like crazy and “love you for forever”.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the medical, nursing and care staff at Valleyview Residence, for the kind and gentle care and support you provided for Mom.

Visitation at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre on Tuesday, March 26th , from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. On Wednesday March 27th, visitation 12-1pm, followed by a Celebration of Life 1-2pm and a reception 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation or Children’s Wish Canada would be greatly appreciated.

Guestbook 

(5 of 8)

Lynn Urmson (Friend of Mary's)

Entered March 19, 2019 from Toronto

Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.

Deborah Jackson Matthews (Dear Friend "Aunt Geri")

Entered March 21, 2019 from Innisfil

Aunt Geri was a very loving and kind person. You don't meet many people of her high qualities, so I feel very blessed to have known her. She will be missed by family and friends. A very dear friend of my mother's through thick and thin for more than 65 years. You will be missed Aunt Geri

Rick And Lori Ann Andress 

Entered March 25, 2019 from Wellandport

Our Prayers are with the McAllister family as you grieve the loss of your loved one.

Feel no guilt in laughter, Geri knows how much you care.
Feel no sorrow in a smile that Geri is not here to share.
You cannot grieve forever; She would not want you to.
She'd hope that you could carry on the way you always do.
So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared,
The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.
Let memories surround you, a word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,
That brings her back as clearly as though she were still here,
And fills you with the feeling that she is always near.
For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart
And she will live forever locked safely within your heart.

Sincerely: Rick and Lori Ann Andress

Judy Hopkins (Teaching colleague and friend. First met at Ernest Avenue PS in 1972)

Entered March 26, 2019 from Baltimore, Ontario

Excerpt from a poem we wrote for Geri on her retirement from teaching:

"Groomed and permed to perfection, her colours just right,
She delivered her lessons to both challenged and bright,
Full of energy and vim - a workaholic of sorts,
She plowed through assessments, profiles and reports.

Remember the fun, remember the laughs,
Mazda muffins to celebrate her new car with the staff.
Those ESL children with their words of delight,
A snake in the drawer for an early day fright.

We got to know Mary and Michael and Paul,
Through stories and worries and pride in them all.
One was working too hard, one was seeking a job,
"Not another missed ortho appointment!" she'd sob.

And so now, Mama Geri, who mothered us all,
Blue skies, lazy days - you hear their call.
Just remember, no matter what stage of life you are reaching,
You've made one superb contribution to teaching."

By Celia Louthood, Judy Hopkins, Marie White and the late Pat Kelly

Susan (Adams) Murray (Friend)

Entered March 26, 2019 from Etobicoke

We were deeply saddened to learn of Geri's recent passing. She has been a fixture in our mother Libby's life and my siblings and I have always understood how dear Geri was to her. Geri seemed to light up a room by stepping into it, and will surely be missed greatly by her dear ones. Blessings to all - we will cherish our memories of dear Geri.
The Adams Family (Libby, Susan, David and Jane)

Photos 

(3 of 3)

Lunch reunion with Marie White, Judy Hopkins, Celia Louthood and the late Pat Kelly. Lunch reunion with Marie White, Judy Hopkins Celia Louthood
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