Geraldine C. McKenzie

Geraldine Catherine Clair McKenzie, known as Gerry, cherished family member and friend, was born in Berwyn, Illinois, on February 24, 1928 and passed away in Dallas on February 15, 2019. Gerry graduated from DePaul University in 1950 and married William (Bill) McKenzie in 1964, whom she met while teaching the children of U.S. Military personnel in Nuremburg, Germany. The couple lived in San Antonio and Washington D.C. while Bill was in the Army, who served during WW II and completed two tours during the Vietnam War. Upon his retirement, they moved to Dallas, TX, in 1969, where Bill worked as a Telegraph Editor and Executive Assistant at the Dallas Times Herald. Gerry was faithfully by Bill's side during his fight with cancer until he died in 1983.

Throughout her life, Gerry's focus was on people of all ages. Always a good friend, Gerry was the world's best listener. Her interest in others led her to a successful teaching career in Illinois, Japan, Germany, San Antonio and for 21 years at St. Rita School in Dallas. She enjoyed learning as much as teaching, Gerry was a regular at the Dallas Wind Symphony and Summer Theater. She attended classes at Brookhaven Community College, and for several years, she was an active member of the Bible Study Fellowship.

Gerry loved to laugh and always said "Laughter was the Best Medicine". She was always on the go in her convertible Mustang or Camaro. She loved to go "bumming" with friends. When Gerry returned from her trip to Antarctica, she was delighted to accomplish her goal of visiting all seven continents, but she always knew that the USA was the best place on Earth. She was loyal to a fault and never failed to be there for others. Generous with her time and talents, Gerry volunteered at St. Paul's, known today as UT Southwestern, for over 35 years. She also served on the Board of the Dallas North YMCA for 9 years.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, James and Frances; siblings Mary Jean and James; Bill's son William and his wife Joanne. Gerry is survived by her son Donald (Mac) McKenzie and his wonderful wife Marta; Grandson Benjamin and Chelsea Nevill; niece Katie Traines and her children; cousin Paul Dasso and his wife Sue. Gerry was a much loved niece of the late Phillip and Cass Dwyer, James and Geraldine O'Laughlin, and Irwin and Jean Dasso. She will be greatly missed by her family and numerous friends whose lives she touched with a kind, generous and fun loving spirit.

A Rosary Service and visitation will take place in the chapel at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home on Thursday, February 21, 2019, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Another visitation will be held at the same location on Friday, February 22, 2019, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerry's honor to the charitable organization of your choice.