Geraldine A. Wilson, affectionately known as Gerry, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the age of 93. Born on May 17, 1931, in New London, Connecticut, she was the cherished daughter of Peter Yeitz and Edith (Bradley) Sousa. On September 20, 1948, she married the love of her life, Charles R. Wilson, in New London. He preceded her in death on March 15, 1997. Gerry was a devoted homemaker and an unwavering cheerleader for her family. Whether it was a sports game or a family gathering, you’d find Gerry on the sidelines, cheering on her children and grandchildren with enthusiasm and pride. Her adventurous spirit was encapsulated in experiences like taking a sky lift at 92 or enjoying the sand dunes in Michigan with her family. She treasured moments on the pontoon with her kids and grandkids, sharing laughter and joy. Gerry’s presence on jeep runs, where she would wave and smile from the passenger seat, is fondly remembered by all who knew her. Family was Gerry’s greatest treasure.
Her legacy lives on in her 11 children, 45 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and 23 great-great-grandchildren. Her six sons, Chuck (Linda), Mike (Jeni), Donny (Mary Beth), Paul (Jill), Willie (Lisa), and John (Lori); her three daughters, Susie Henry (Steve), Sandy Loudin, and Angie Wilson; her sister Holly Drinkall; and her sister-in-law Joan Schoettmer survive her and continue to celebrate her life and love.
She was preceded in death by her two daughters and their spouses, Rosemary (Clarence) Walterman and Joanne (Bob) Johnson, daughter-in-law Kathy Wilson, grandsons Ryan Johnson, Jeff Wright, Daryll Moore, five brothers John Murphy, Jimmy, Tommy, Bill, and John Sousa; four sisters Frances, Leona, Sharon, and Jacqueline Sousa, and her dear childhood friends Olive and Connie.
Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8th at Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home. An additional visitation will take place at First Christian Church, 425 N. Broadway St., Greensburg, Indiana, from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, followed by services at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions, in Gerry’s Memory, may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.