First Posted: 1/6/2013
Mrs. Geraldine P. Gerry Bedwell, age 85, of Newark, Delaware, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012.
Formerly of West Wyoming, Gerry was the daughter of the late Joseph Pace and Romilda Zamponi Pace.
As Valedictorian of her West Wyoming High School graduating class in 1944, she was awarded a 4-year scholarship to College Misericordia, now Misericordia University, in Dallas, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1948.
She was also awarded a 4-year scholarship to Fordham University in New York. Gerry was one of six women to be admitted into Kappa Gamma Pi, the Honor Society of the International Federation of Catholic College Alumnae. She also served as President and Secretary of the Wilmington Chapter of Misericordia Alumni.
From 1948 to 1954, Gerry taught mathematics and English at the Henry C. Conrad High School where she served as senior class advisor.
For the next 15 years, she was proud to be a stay-at home mom to her four children.
Then from 1969 to 1990, she returned to her teaching career and was a frequent substitute at the John R. Downes Elementary School where she enjoyed teaching her kindergarten classes.
Gerry delighted in the academic achievements and musical talent of her beloved grandchildren. She herself loved to sing and was a member of the St. John’s-Holy Angels choir for many years.
An avid Phillies fan, she also followed the progress of University of Delaware Blue Hens football and the women’s basketball program.
Gerry is survived by her beloved husband and best friend, John E. Gene Bedwell,with whom she would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on June 20, 2013.
Children, Neal E. Bedwell of South Carolina; Maureen Mo Buckworth and husband Judge Mark Buckworth of Newark, N.J.; Eileen L. Bedwell of Newark; and Lynne P. Latino and husband Ken Latino of Daleville, Va.; grandchildren, Christina Bedwell, Alexis Bedwell, Matthew Buckworth and Hunter Buckworth; a brother, Gerald Jerry and wife Lucy, Old Forge; a sister Aldine Kriso, Denver Colo.
Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Friday, January 4, 2013 at Holy Angels R.C. Church 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, N.J.
Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Del.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Misericordia University Scholarship Fund, 301 Lake Street, Dallas, Pa. 18612-1090: or Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, De. 19713-2997.