Geraldine E. Cleland

Geraldine E. Cleland, 94, of Church of God Home-Stone Ridge Retirement Living, Carlisle, formerly of Newberry Twp. died Friday, December 1, 2023 at the home surrounded by family.

She was a graduate of Mechanicsburg High School.  After high school, she worked as a secretary for Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company.  She also worked as a hostess and waitress at the former Howard Johnsons in Camp Hill and seamstress at the former Smith’s Upholstering in Bowmansdale. 

She was a member of Bowmansdale Church of God and its Church of God Women’s’ Ministry for over 70 years.  She was also a long-time member of Red Land Senior Center.  She enjoyed gardening and being active in the community.

Gerry was a wonderful mother and grandmother.  She always took the time to celebrate her children’s individual birthdays, made sure they had what they needed, and spoiled them with money for the movies, pool passes, etc.

She was born September 1, 1929 in Fileys, Monaghan Twp to the late Curvin Joseph and Mary Ida (Gayman) Gochenour. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Eugene Cleland, Sr.; son, Raymond E. Cleland, Jr.; brother, Curvin J. Gochenour, Jr.; and sisters, Fern F. Desenberg and Winnie Kennedy.

She is survived by her children, Richard W. Cleland (Carole), John W. Cleland (Jane), Suzann M. Faux (Mike), and Maryann M. Yecker (Matt) all of Etters; siblings, Kenneth E. Gochenour (Pat) of Mechanicsburg, and Joyce K. Wagner (Don) of Wellsville; grandchildren, Brian Faux, Danielle Fasick, Brad Brockman, Andrea Smith, Clint Cleland, Amanda Cleland, Greg Cleland, Katie McCauley, Josh and Ryan Cleland; great-grandchildren, Ava, Cole, Dylan, Jack, Julia, Derek, Camryn, Brooke, Dylan, Evan, Amber and Gracie; and great-great-grandson, Quest.

Visitation will be from 10am until services at 11am Thursday, December 7th at Bowmansdale Church of God.  Entombment will follow in Tri-County Memorial Gardens, Newberry Twp. 

Memorial contributions are requested to her church, 101 E. Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055,  https://www.bowmansdalecog.org/