Geraldine Millo
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Geraldine Ellen Millo left us on Valentine's Day with her daughter April by her side in Arlington, WA. Known as Gerry to her family and her large collection of friends and colleagues, she was a long-time resident of Anacortes. Gerry was born in Everett to Rosa and Richard Millo; the youngest of five children. Gerry was seventy years old when cancer took her from us while in hospice care. Gerry is survived by her daughter April Winters in Arlington, her sister Josephine Ford (Bernie) in Marysville and two sisters-in-law, Dian Adams (Jack) in Everett and Vicki Adams (Robert) in Snohomish. Gerry was preceded in death by her other three siblings, Jack Adams (Dian), Caroline Swartz, and Robert Adams (Vicki). Gerry leaves a multi-generational collection of nieces and nephews in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and Florida. A longtime cat lover, Gerry leaves her most recent beloved pets Mozart and Booboo to good homes.
Gerry developed a deep appreciation of music and was active in both the Marching Band and Orchestra during her years at Everett High School. This early connection to music lead to a life full of musicality and drove her interest in the vinyl collection she enjoyed throughout her entire life. Gerry attended Everett Community College, and Western Washington University (WWU) in Bellingham.
Early in Gerry's career she taught at a Montessori School which aligned beautifully with her ability to genuinely connect with and support the natural curiosity and learning of children and young people. Any of her many nieces and nephews will attest to the early authentic connections she was able to create with us, that lead to a special lifelong rapport.
Gerry's most recent position was working on a team that provided administrative support for construction projects at schools in Western Washington. Most of Gerry's working life happened in "front of the house" positions in restaurants from The Horseshoe in Bellingham while attending WWU, and numerous eateries and greasy spoons as far south as Lake Merritt Coffee Shop in Oakland, California. A favorite of Gerry's was the Mint in The Pike Place Market. She spoke fondly of her life in restaurants and the meaningful relationships and connections she enjoyed with both colleagues and customers.
A career transition took Gerry to the Bonneville Power Administration in Vancouver, WA and later to Puget Sound Rope in Anacortes. Gerry was supportive and welcoming to friends, colleagues, and family who identified as part of the LGBTQ community.
Gerry reconnected with and married her high school sweetheart Tom decades later, they moved to Anacortes, where Gerry remained after Tom passed. Resilience aptly describes Gerry's ability to come back from adverse experiences with a resolve for moving forward.
Gerry came to lead a spiritual life following recovery from personal struggles. She relied on her higher power for daily guidance and was committed to carrying the message of recovery to others. Gerry was an inspiring leader in this regard and touched many lives in positive ways. Gerry will be remembered for her kind, gentle spirit and the way she was able to make interpersonal connections with those she loved and cared for as well as all of that damn confetti she put in every greeting card she ever sent. You are much loved Gerry and you will be missed.
A Memorial Service is planned for later this Summer at The Evans Funeral Chapel in Anacortes, details to follow.
Remembrances can be made in Gerry's name to The Cat's Meow in Anacortes http://www.meowanacortes.org/.
To share memories of Geraldine, please sign the online guestbook at https://www.evanschapel.com