In Memory
Patricia J. (June) Gerrard
Jan. 26, 1925 - July 6, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Patricia J. Gerrard peacefully passed away July 6, 2009, at the age of 84. She was born January 26, l925, in Detroit, Michigan, to William H. June and Jannette MacDonald. Patricia (better known as "Pat") lived a full, loving and vibrant life.
Prior to her retirement in l992, Pat worked for 15 years in the Continuing Studies Division at Indiana University, South Bend. In her role as Principal Records Clerk and Secretary, she would always go the extra step for faculty while also serving as a mentor and cheerleader for many students. She helped many develop a stronger belief in themselves and a deeper commitment to learning. In 1985 she was nominated and received the highly respected Support Staff Recognition award for Indiana University. Pat accepted her award at a ceremony on the Bloomington campus. A lifelong learner herself, Pat completed her bachelors' degree from IUSB in l987. Her love of travel, history, and her Scottish roots inspired many.
Pat was an active alumna until recent years and belonged to Riley High School's Bunch for Lunch as well as serving on the IUSB Executive Council. She also volunteered with many other local groups, and had a strong belief in kindness, acceptance of diversity and service.
Pat married Robert Charles Gerrard, the love of her life, in l948, and became his widow in l974. She is survived by two children, Robert G. Gerrard of DeKalb, IL, and Christine C. Gerrard of South Bend. Also surviving are two nieces, Patricia L. Yost of Dallas, Texas, and Kathy Y. Benham of Richmond, Virginia. As a woman who touched many lives, she leaves behind many who will miss her, especially Kathy Guyer, Jim Lester, Marsha Bowlin and Christine Clarke.
She will be remembered as a wonderful mother and aunt, a compassionate woman, who loved deeply, continuously learned, always believed in others, and left the world a much better place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the IUSB Scholarship Fund in her name, 1700 Mishawaka Avenue, P.O. Box 7111, South Bend, IN 46634 - Attention: Student Scholarships; or to the American Heart Association. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, July 10th, in Palmer Funeral Home - River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Rev. Mary Hubbard, pastor of First United Methodist Church, South Bend, will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday in the funeral home, and one hour prior to services on Friday. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
Published by South Bend Tribune on Jul. 8, 2009.
06/28/2023 EJS
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