Geraldine P. Breitenbach

Geraldine P. Breitenbach (Gerri) of Carlisle passed away at home on Monday, October 15, 2012 at the age of 89. She was born August 6, 1923, in Liberty, PA in Tioga County. She was the daughter of the late Gordon and Ruth Parker. She is preceded in death by her twin brother, Gerald (Buzz). She is survived by a bother Llewellyn (Pete), Liberty, PA. Her family nickname was Sis. While growing up she and her brothers walked a mile to and from the one room school in Liberty for eight years.

She graduated from Liberty High and the State Beauty School in Williamsport, PA. As an Army wife, Gerri traveled extensively with her husband and children when they were stationed overseas. She was happy when her family finally settled in Carlisle. While being an Army wife she acquired the nick name of Gerri.

Gerri worked as a Teacher’s Assistant for the Capital Area Intermediate Unit #15 for 26 years. She also worked at the Officers’ Club/Letort View for 40 years. While employed at the Club, she served former Presidents Gerald Ford and George W. Bush, Geraldo Rivera, Shirley Temple Black, “The Beaver” Jerry Mathers, countless Generals, and many others.

She belonged to the Old Bellaire Chapter #375 Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years and two Red Hat Societies. She was an active churchgoer and especially enjoyed attending church and being there for the groundbreaking of new Carlisle Barracks Post Chapel. As a child, she belonged to the East Point Methodist Church, Liberty, PA.

Gerri is survived by her husband of 66 years, Joseph H. Breitenbach. She is also proudly survived by five children and eight grandchildren: sons Joseph M. (Rusty) and his wife Paula of Carlisle, LTC (Ret.) Barry and his wife Jennifer of Montgomery Village, MD, Dr. Ray and his wife Mary Jane of White Lake, MI, daughters Rita Breitenbach and her companion Gene Boyle of Carlisle, Penny and her husband Jim Torrence of Montgomery Village, MD, her 8 grandchildren: Jimmy, Kyle, Todd, Grace, Tessa, Scott, Daniel and Amanda, and several nieces. She cherished holidays and all times when her whole family gathered at the kitchen table.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 pm Friday, October 19, 2012 in the US Army War College Memorial Chapel, Carlisle Barracks. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 9:00 pm, Thursday in the Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 North Hanover Street, Carlisle and from 2:30 pm Friday until the time of service in the Chapel on Carlisle Barracks. An Order of the Eastern Star service will be at 2:00 pm Friday in the Chapel on Carlisle Barracks. Burial will follow in Westminster Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the East Point Methodist Church Fund, PO Box 43, Liberty PA 16930.