Traverse City Record-Eagle

Obituaries

Guestbook

Sign the Guestbook
February 15, 2012

Geraldine 'Gerry' Conlen

----

FLUSHING — Geraldine "Gerry" Conlen, 91, lifelong resident of Flushing, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at Avalon Hospice. Gerry was born in Flushing on Aug. 22, 1920, the daughter of Raymond and Erma (Sprauge) Tupper.

She was a graduate of Flushing High School, class of 1938.

Gerry married Russell J. Conlen on June 28, 1941. They were married for 54 years. He preceded her in death on Nov. 11, 1995.

While Russ was in the Army and overseas during World War II, Gerry was a true "Rosie the Riveter," inspecting gears for tanks at Buick City in Flint.

After the war Russ obtained his CPA License and they raised their four children in Flushing. The family took many trips to the "farm" near Alpena to visit her mother, Erma and Wendell, and Ellen Tupper. Gerry was proud that all of her children were college graduates.

Russ and Gerry enjoyed many worldwide travels with friends. They also enjoyed their time at Lake Isabella and had fun on the pontoon boat.

Gerry had been a member of the McLaren Hospital Auxiliary since 1979 and enjoyed her later years with the Annies. Gerry was a member of St. Robert Catholic Church. She was in two bridge clubs and enjoyed the friendship of the other women.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Gerry lived a good life and fought the good fight.

She is survived by her children, Cathie Conlen, of Flushing, Timothy Conlen, of Avon, Ohio, Paul Conlen, of Traverse City, and Martha and husband, John Earhart, of Findlay, Ohio; granddaughter, Megan Earhart; sisters-in-law, Nola Conlen, Eloise Conlen and Ellen Tupper; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at St. Robert Catholic Church. Fr. Roy Horning will officiate. Burial will follow at Flushing Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Rossell Funeral Home. A scripture service will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at nationalmssociety.org, St. Robert Catholic Church or the Flushing Historical Society.

Text Only
Obituaries

Death Notices

Deaths in the Region

Archived Obituaries