had a zest for life. Before she was a wife and mother, Geraldine went on a grand adventure. She took 3 months and solo hiked across England and Norway in the late 50s when young women didn’t really do those things.
She had a library science degree from Simmons College in Boston and studied for her Masters at Columbia University. Geraldine worked as a librarian at Ft. Devons where she met the man she would marry. She had a 25-year career working in libraries in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She retired from Lycoming College, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Gerre was a master gardener; her passion for growing beautiful flowers was apparent as people walking by the house exclaimed over the varieties and colors she cultivated in almost every season. In 2002, Gerre relocated to Rockport, Massachusetts, where she spent 20 years living in her childhood home and enjoying the beauty of Boston’s north shore. She worked at the Goose Cove Nursery in Lanesville growing plants and thoroughly loved the company of all who worked with her. She was a member of the Rockport Garden Club and helped plant and maintain gardens all around the town. The gardens at her home were on the annual tour of gardens around Rockport.
She was a lifelong member of the Old Garden Beach Association and a board member at the Rockport Historical Society. Gerre could knit circles around the best of them. She was a member of a local knitting club and knit dozens of hats and gloves every year, donating them to various organizations.
Gerre enjoyed drawing and painting, over the years she took art lessons and even studied with noted Rockport artist, Betty Lou Schlemm. She enjoyed photography and loved taking photos of her children as they grew up.
Gerre loved to sort and organize everything. Her gardens, tools, and basement were tidy and well kept. She would tell you she wasn’t much of a housekeeper, but every drawer and file were meticulously ordered. She was passionate about genealogy and took classes to better understand the science. Her family records are detailed and go back hundreds of years.
Her family gently teased her about her love for the town transfer station, “the dump.” In Rockport, it is a town square, where everyone meets as they clear out their trash, recycling, garden debris, and more. Gerre was often at the transfer station twice a day. Her best buddy, Brian, an employee there, allowed her in the employees only trailer and she liked checking up on the seedlings they started there each spring.
Gerre was an avid stargazer and birdwatcher. For years she joined Ted Tarr’s group as they hiked the right-of-way paths around Cape Ann, helping to keep them open for all to enjoy.
Geraldine was married to Herbert for 60 years. She had 4 children, 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She loved her family fiercely and followed their lives and achievements with enthusiasm.
A bright earthly light has gone to join the universe. We will miss you Mum, Gigi, Gerre. Sending you on with oceans of love.
Geraldine Hale Wescott ~
May 29, 1937-November 13, 2022
June 1967
What a beautiful tribute. I see that you shared many of your talents, joys and qualities with your mom. She was a special woman. Prayers and positive energy being sent your way to deal with your grief. Celebrate her life and remember a time when you laughed, really laughed hard, together.
I never met Gerre but what a beautiful person she was ! Her zest was incredible…filled with so many passions, just like you Jenn. I am sure she will be sorely missed by you, your family, and her friends. I opened this link and thought it was a picture of you, Jenn. What a beautiful lady inside and out! Her strength, curiosity, and enthusiasm about life continue in you , Jenn. Safe travels to eternity, Gerre. Celebrate with memories every day, Jenn.
What an amazing woman! Now I see where you get all your talents and passion. She lives on in you, Jen! Keep those stories flowing. Those memories will get you through this difficult time.
What an accomplished woman! A life well-lived! She was a trail blazer for generations to come…
Celebrate your memories, and in those memories may you find comfort. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time…XO
A beautiful tribute to a life well lived. I am very sorry for your great loss. ❤️
A beautiful tribute to a life well lived. I am very sorry for your great loss. ❤️
Sorry to hear of Gerre’s passing! Lots of wonderful accomplishments in her life. Sympathy to your family
I loved talking to Gerre about her gardens. I walked past the house almost every day and was thrilled as new flowers bloomed. She would talk about the plants that came from the transfer station that people had discarded and how she brought them back to life. She was a treasure to the Rockport Garden Club, we will all miss her.
Gerre was the first friend I met in Rockport. We passed by her beautiful garden, and stopped to talk with her, and instantly became great friends…She introduced me to the Rockport Garden Club, and we worked together at the library garden. She also introduced me to the Sunday Hiking Group with Ted Tarr. She came barreling into the Whistlestop parking lot in her red pickup truck, and then we were off on a hiking adventure. We did the Sunday hike in reverse during the week and called ourselves The Rumpsters, as we followed the rump of the person in front of us on the trail. Our favorite “boutique” (the swap shop), found many treasures. She was always happy to scout out things for people. I now have so many candles and candlesticks thanks to Gerre. She would also go there twice a day, at 10 AM and 2 PM, often cleaning the shelves and organizing the varied stuff. Her giving spirit, sense of adventure, and ready smile will always be remembered. We shared so many good times, and those memories will always bring a smile…She will be missed, but her legacy continues…xxx Beverly If you click on the following link, some photos of Gerre and our adventures should open. https://photos.app.goo.gl/LpxguAjqMsyCZxpX7
Hi Beverly, this is Jennifer, Gerre’s daughter. Your comment means the world! You made me smile. You captured perfectly so many of the things about mother that we have laughed over this week as we talk and remember her. Many thanks for posting the perfectly wonderful photos! I’ve never seen any of them and I am thoroughly enjoying them. 🙂🌿🤍
After Christmas, when I would be clipping branches at the dump from discarded Christmas trees to throw over tender plants, the red truck would over into sight and Gerre would join me in this annual effort.
What fun she was, ever eager to add to her lush gardens, and welcoming to all. She will be missed by so many.
When I bought on Norwood Ave 14 years ago i found this wonderful garden around the corner with Gerri in it. She taught and shared so many things about gardening..but mostly. I wanted a red truck like hers! She will be terribly missed!
Gerre was an amazing woman! Adventurous, accomplished, compassionate…fun! I loved chatting with her in her garden, occasionally walking to star gaze. She was always so curious about everything in the world , and always eager to share stories m, information and love. Friendly, generous and welcoming. We will all miss her, especially those of us in the Old Garden neighborhood and in the garden club.
Jen your Mom was such a joy to be around. She always stopped whatever she was doing to say hello whenever I passed by with the dogs. Her gardens were an inspiration and she will be missed by all her Rockport friends and neighbors.
I’m so glad to see this remembrance of Gerre. We knew her for the most recent 30 years of this history as “across the street” neighbors. Her garden was a marvel. We used to tease her about her compost retrievals from the dump, telling her that she had not just raised beds but a whole raised yard. We compared notes, traded seeds, delivered excess produce, and shared laughs while shoveling snow after storms. She loved a good nor’easter. Gerre was such a joy as a neighbor – cheerful, chatty, and unfailingly helpful. We miss her.
I miss you Mum – xo Sarah