Obituary of Geraldine Emmons

Geraldine Ann Emmons was an adventure-seeker, a game lover, and a bingo rival to many. Born in 1933 to Clarence and Grace Cardwell, she was the last in a line of five sisters: Lula Stephenson, Helen DeLore, Emma Jane Rusaw, and Mary Torrese. Her status as the baby in the family proved to be more cruel than lucky. Grace died in 1941, a time when men were not used to raising little girls alone. An older couple rescued Gerry from an orphanage until Clarence married her new beloved mom, Vera. Like her mother, Geraldine produced a string of daughters: Anita (Jim) Wavercak, Carol (Lewis) Palmer, Cindy (Mike) Neverette, and Dianna (Joe) Brown. A devoted husband, Richard Emmons, brought his son, Frank, into the family. Until his death, Dick was the perfect match for Gerry. She lacked patience, but he had plenty. They had 13 grandchildren: Lewis Palmer, Mary Backus, Jim Wavercak, Jodie Delconte, Tammy Palmer, Tiffany Arduini, Amy Sponable, Rick Brown, Scott Brown, Andrew Parsons, Jeff Brown, and Christa and Patrick Emmons. There are also several great-grandchildren and even a great-great grandchild. Many friends were made during Gerry’s years working for American Bank Stationary in Liverpool, NY. Previously, she had worked for Gillespie Dairy in Fulton, NY. She enjoyed a long retirement. Selling homemade crafts supported her hunger for nightly social outings. Dick and Gerry were fierce competitors on the bingo circuit. They met friends in every church, fire hall, and casino in CNY. Gerry loved hosting bunco tournaments and card games, as long as visitors came with some spare change to bet. She enjoyed crocheting too, mostly because she disliked sitting still and wasting time. After a very busy 87-years on-the-go, Gerry left this world peacefully on December 18, 2020. She was born during the Great Depression and died during a pandemic. So, there won’t be services right away. But, there will be one heck of a bunco tournament when it’s safe to celebrate the tireless spirit of Geraldine Emmons. Bring your spare change. To leave a message of sympathy for Gerry’s family, please visit www.brownfuneralhomefulton.com