With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished mother Geraldine Reybold, on Dec.31, 2024 at the age of 93.
Gerry was preceded in death by her loving husband, Laddie; her grandson, Christopher Gore; sister, Mary Joan Thompson; and brother, Jay Fisher. Gerry lost her soulmate at the young age of 53, but she soldiered on and embraced life to the fullest.
She was born and raised in Wilmington, DE and attended Christ Our King school and graduated from PS DuPont high school.
Gerry was a very accomplished woman. She was the vision, creator and owner of the successful retail store the Enchanted Owl located in Centerville, DE. It was the first independent bridal registry store in the Wilmington area where brides came from far and wide to register for their weddings.
One of her other accomplishments was being admitted to the Wilmington Rotary Club in 1989, the first year women were inducted. After serving for many years, she was honored to receive the prestigious John F Newnam Award for outstanding contributions.
In addition, she volunteered for 13 years at The Mary Campbell Center where she once again received an award, The Presidential Volunteer Service Citation. It was noted that her dedication was an inspiration to staff and residents. She was also involved as a Helpline Listener at Contact Lifeline where she answered calls involving suicide, rape and others in crisis and distress. Beyond her community service she found time to travel the world with a group of woman friends that she enjoyed.
People often commented on her laughter which was contagious. It is difficult to describe the positive effect she had on people. She was all inclusive and just being around her was an uplifting experience.
Gerry was known for her unwavering determination, love and support for her family and friends. She is survived by her three daughters, Rodnie Gore, Robin Sickle, Mimi Levine and Mimi’s husband, Jay Levine (and then there was one). “Grandmommie” was a fun, caring grandmother to her grandchildren, Abbie, Mollie, Allison, Peter and Paul. She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, Teddy, Georgie, Jackie, Lucy, Woody, Archer and a goddaughter, Susan Barnes. Her family will always remember their annual vacation time spent together in the sun and sand at Avalon and the Outer Banks beaches. There are too many stories to tell of the times we all spent together but one of our favorites was the “tripe incident” when her grandkids Chris and Ali put a package of tripe in the refrigerator and had Grandmommie convinced that some stranger broke into the house and put it there!
We also spent many winter holidays in Killington, VT where Gerry would fly in late on Christmas Eve after keeping the Enchanted Owl open after hours so Jill and Joe Biden could come in and do their Christmas shopping. Her son-in-laws would pick her up at the airport with a bottle of red wine and by the time they got back to the house Gerry was certainly in the Christmas spirit.
We will be gathering to celebrate Gerry’s brilliant life on March 1st, 2025 at 11:00am at Cokesbury Retirement Community in Hockessin, DE.
We take comfort in knowing that Gerry is having a fine reunion with her loved ones that have gone before her. Although she is with her angels, her loving and fun filled spirit will live in our hearts forever.
Memorial donations may be sent to Dr Jackie Cousins, Contact Lifeline Inc, PO Box 9525, Wilmington, DE 19809.
