Obituary of Geraldine H. Price

Geraldine Hazelton Price, known lovingly as Gerry, passed away peacefully on April 27th, due to complications from her battle with Parkinson's disease. She is survived by her husband William T. Price, Jr.; her brother Thomas Hazelton; her daughter Suzanne Halligan and husband David Halligan; her son William T. Price III and wife Elena Koebel; and her grandchildren Nick Halligan, Emma Price, Tess Price, Claire Halligan and Will Price. Gerry's memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

Born July 12, 1941, Gerry embarked on a journey that saw her wear many hats and touch countless hearts along the way. As a cherished wife, beloved sister, devoted mother, dear friend and treasured Nana, Gerry's life was marked by a legacy of love, strength and laughter. She will always be remembered for her kind heart, friendly smile, gift for gab and a generous “ear” for listening – sharing ample doses of her good humor and common-sense advice with everyone.

As a girl, Geraldine started her life in Hudson County, growing up with her Leahey cousins in Bayonne and watching out for her younger brother Tommy. At Henry Snyder High School in Jersey City, she met many of her life-long friends and future husband, Bill, with whom she would share 59 years of love and marriage, most of it in the same Greenville section of Jersey City where they put down roots and raised their family.

When she started to work as a young woman, Gerry became an executive secretary In Harborside at a time straight out of a Mad Men episode, complete with cigarette smoke, cocktails, fancy business trips, and stories she would share the rest of her life. The skills, diplomacy and task-master mindset she learned in those years would stay with her throughout her life. She managed Dr. Scirocco’s chiropractic office with index cards, order, sympathy and a smile for all his patients. As a clerk and department secretary, she kept the students – and faculty – “in line” at St. Peter’s College, a place she loved and called home for nearly 20 years. She was also a pillar of Our Lady of Mercy Parish and School, serving as an officer in the Rosary Society, running calendar parties and working as everyone’s “favorite” substitute teacher. All of these roles reflected her nurturing nature and unwavering work ethic.

As a mother to Suzy and Billy, she extended her love, wisdom and warmth to their friends, becoming an adoptive mom to many. Her kitchen was always open, her deviled eggs and cream puffs were legendary, and her yellow tin was always filled with homemade chocolate chip cookies. Her home on McAdoo Avenue was a place for neighborly care and curiosity; daily trips to the corner deli for gossip and groceries; Trivial Pursuit nights with friends; storytelling in the kitchen; and motherly advice (both solicited and unsolicited), which was as abundant as her infectious laughter. Gerry's knack for bringing people together and giving them a piece of her heart was her special gift.

As Nana Price, Gerry's love knew no bounds. Her grandchildren – Nick, Emma, Tess, Claire, and Will – were her pride and joy. She would keep tabs on all of their achievements, attend their shows and games, beam with pride giving updates to all her friends, and enjoy their debates over who was her favorite. Her presence on family vacations from LBI to OBX always brought an extra dose of warmth and laughter to every gathering.

In recent years, Gerry faced the challenges of Parkinson's disease with the same determination and spirit that defined her life. She and Pop moved to The Oaks in Denville in 2018 where they made new friends and found a new community. While her body weakened, her mind and memory remained sharp as ever, winning trivia contests, keeping tabs on her friends and holding “court” with her visitors.

In a blog her son wrote a few years ago, she shared lessons from her long life. Gerry spoke of the importance of the Golden Rule — treating others as you would want to be treated. This principle, instilled in her by her father, shaped her approach to life and guided her interactions with others. Faith was another cornerstone of Gerry's life. "Have faith in something greater than yourself," she urged, whether it be in God, religion, or a higher power. Drawing from her own experiences, Gerry emphasized the solace and strength she found in her faith during times of hardship. It was her faith that sustained her through her own struggles with depression, anxiety and the challenges she faced caring for her ailing parents. Finally, Gerry imparted words of encouragement and practical advice to others. “Believe in yourself, your abilities and work hard for what you want,” she stressed. To all who knew and loved her, those lessons sum up her rich life and how she lived it.

Relatives and friends are welcome to visit with the family on Tuesday, April 30^th from 4 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Wednesday, May 1^st at 10 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Graveside Service will follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery, 295 Totowa Rd, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Peter's University where she made a home, and to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Gerry here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine on.

*If you were unable to attend Mass, you can watch it anytime from St. Mary's YouTube page, or by clicking here*