April 19, 1925–May 5, 2013
Gerry was born in Santa Cruz, CA., the daughter of Hannah Hauser & Henry Helmle. She graduated from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles in 1942, Los Angeles City College in 1944, and from UCLA in 1955.
From her father came a love of nature; from her mother, a love of language. Gerry had a long career as a primary school teacher at John Muir Elem. School in Santa Monica, CA. Fluent in Spanish, she became of the earliest ESL teachers.
She enjoyed travels to Europe, Central & South America, and especially Machu Picchu. She was an accomplished gardener with an incredible “green thumb.” She loved to read, and instilled a love of books in her grand children.
In 2000, she moved to Montecito to be close to her twin grandchildren, Jessica & Clayton Barry, now seniors at Santa Barbara High School. Her children, Cynthia, Nancy, Richard, & grandchildren, Elissa, Jessica, & Clayton brought her pride and joy. The generosity of her sons-in-law gave her comfort & pleasure. She possessed uncommon strength & dignity.
We are grateful to Santa Barbara Visiting Nurse & Hospice and Casa San Miguel for their excellent care during her final days.
