Aug. 18, 1934 – May 3, 2014

BETHEL — “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it and is gone and in its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do His commandments. The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all …”

Geraldine Jean Galvin, daughter of Thelma I. Bond and William Galvin, was born in Concord, N.H., on Aug. 18, 1934. “Gerry” was educated in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Florida and Maine. She graduated from Gould Academy in 1953, joining the U.S. Army’s Women’s Army Corps, serving in Virgina, Kentucky, Washington and Japan, and attaining the rank of E5. She served as a cook and baker.

She met her husband, Ryozo “Joe,” of Hamamatsu, while stationed at Camp Zama, Japan; they were married on Dec. 1, 1959, in Yokohama, Japan. After leaving the military, Joe and Gerry settled on the family farm in northwest Bethel. There, they raised their sons, William Yasohachi and Jody Kazuo, and cared for Gerry’s mother, Thelma, and stepfather, Zenas Merrill.

Gerry was employed at the Bethel Inn as a cook, Gould Academy and Telstar as a baker, and EBS as a cook for a total of 20 years. In her later years, she was a volunteer driver for Community Concepts and was a volunteer with Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice since 2006.

Gerry leaves behind her loving husband of 54 years; two sons, William and Jody; and 12 grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, stepfather and granddaughter, Rhiannon Shimamura.

Gerry was a member of Bethel Nazarene Church, where she held a local minister’s license, was a Bible teacher and church secretary. Fishing, gardening and wood-crafting were some of her hobbies. Gerry’s motto was, “Life is a wonderful adventure, hang on for a terrific ride.”