Geraldine C. Meehan

Geraldine F. Meehan, affectionately known as Geri, entered this world on January 25, 1941, born to Kenton and Eileen Farrell. As the eldest among her siblings, Jane Mahan, and Patty McLaughlin, she embarked on a remarkable journey that spanned a lifetime of love, family, and sailing.

Geri and Frank Meehan first crossed paths at Potomac State College in September of 1959. They tied the knot in 1962. Last December marked their 61st wedding anniversary. After Frank graduated from college they resided in Philadelphia, PA. They later established their home in Pittsburgh, PA where they lovingly raised their four children: Christine, David, Susan, and Jenifer. Once their children were grown, Geri and Frank relocated to Virginia and eventually retired to Florida. During their retirement, they embraced a snowbird lifestyle, spending winters in Florida and summers in Maryland at Deep Creek Lake.

Sailing played a pivotal role in Geri's life, linked to her family’s role as the founders and builders of the Deep Creek Yacht Club (DCYC) and association with the Deep Creek Lake Sailing Association (DCLSA). Initially, she crewed in a snipe for her younger sister, Jane. Then, as an adult she and Frank became active members of DCYC and sailed in the Rebel fleet, eventually transitioning to the Flying Scot fleet. As the winds of time shifted, preventing Geri from sailing, she gracefully transitioned to serving on the race committee for the weekend races.

Geri, a modest and unassuming leader, quietly left her mark on everything she participated in. Actively participated in organizing club events and activities DCYC. She, as the mother of three girls, also dedicated herself to inspiring new women skippers and cultivating a community among female sailors. For numerous years she not only advocated for, but also served as the chairperson for the annual Women's Regatta. Always attentive to nurturing the next generation of sailors, she made certain that the young sailors in sailing school were treated to cookies and lemonade during their weekly visits.

In 2019, as an acknowledgment of her outstanding sportsmanship, lifelong dedication to sailing, and efforts in fostering next generation of sailors the Deep Creek Yacht Racing Association honored Geri with the prestigious "Harry Carpenter Sportsmanship Award.”

During the winter in Florida, Geri found joy in engaging with various women's groups. This included actively contributing to making and selling crafts for her church's annual craft fair, participating in the Spring Hill Service League, and playing in a Mah-jongg group. Influenced by her father’s love of sports, she was an enthusiastic sports fan and had special passion for football, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Geri is survived by her husband, Frank, her four children, and her sister, Patty, all of whom share her love for sailing; eleven grandchildren, the majority having embraced the joy of sailing; and three great-grandchildren.

The image of Geri sitting in her rocking chair on the front porch at DCYC will be greatly missed by all.

“Geri was always embedded within the heart of our club… to be greeted by her smile… “hardly” ever being upset by the antics of the rest of us… always ready to share her encouragement for sailing and good fun… always the person I wanted to sit beside on a porch rocker to watch the water… Geri, you are loved…!” – Steve Wilson, DCYC Member.

Remembrance gathering with family and close friends, will be held at from 1:00-3:00pm, Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Holiday Inn Spring Hill, 3528 Commercial Way/19, Spring Hill, FL 34606.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date at Deep Creek Lake, more information will be coming soon.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Deep Creek Sailing School Online (deepcreeksailingschool.org) or mail check to 1105 Alexander Ln, Oakland, MD 21560