Geraldine Van Gieson, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on June 29, 2008 in Pasadena. She was born on June 12th 1924 in Los Angeles to Gladys and Joel Ellis. Her family moved to San Marino in 1934 and she attended Huntington School and South Pasadena-San Marino High School.

Gerry was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority at USC. She worked as a secretary in the aeronautics department at Cal Tech. In 1952 she married U.S. Naval Lieutenant Henry Van Gieson and they had one son, Henry Jr. in 1964. After the birth of their son Gerry relished her role as a mother and homemaker. She was active in many civic organizations and gave many hours of service to the PTA, San Marino Historical Society and the San Marino Guild of the Huntington Memorial Hospital. Her interests included architecture, interior design and gardening.

Gerry is remembered for her dedication to her family and friends, her love of comedy and drama, her joy of music and dancing, and her flair for entertaining and socializing. She is also remembered for the many festive holidays, parties and special occasions spent with family and friends. Gerry is preceded in death by Henry Van Gieson Sr., her brother Bill Ellis and nieces Cynthia Weaver and Sandra Weaver-Toll. She is survived by her sister Shirley Weaver, brother-in-law Gordon Weaver, niece Linda Weaver McGrouther, nephews-in-law Jim Toll and David McGrouther and six grand nephews. She will be greatly missed by all, especially her son Dr. Henry Van Gieson, daughter-in-law Siobhan Van Gieson, and her grandchildren Elizabeth, Henry Jr. and John who were her pride and joy. 

Pasadena Star News, July 3, 2008