Geraldine Leftwich

STERLING- Geraldine “Gerry” McEwen Leftwich age 95, of Sterling, Illinois died peacefully at Regency Care of Sterling. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 10, 1922 the daughter of Alvin and Anna (Smith) McEwen. She married William C. Leftwich on August 4, 1945 in Chicago. After 52 years of marriage he preceded her in death on February 27, 1998. After high school, Geraldine attended secretarial school in Chicago then became employed by Household Finance Corporation where she met her future husband. They moved to Sterling in 1950 and remained lifelong residents. Gerry was an active member of St. Mary’s Church, serving as President of the Altar and Rosary Society and chaired several church committees. She wrote two books on the history of St. Mary’s Parish (1976 and 1998). Both books reside in the Library of Congress. Gerry was a very caring and nurturing mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother. She used her secretarial talents to assist her husband during his long tenure with Equitable Life Insurance. Gerry was a world traveler and visited countries such as Monaco, Italy, Spain and Germany. She was also an avid golfer and won several awards. As Gerry would tell you, she received her true life’s joy from her family. Geraldine is survived by her two children, William C. Leftwich II of Sterling, IL and Gayle L. Neuberger of Milton, WI; two grandchildren, Kelli (Mike) Stade of Milton, WI and Keith Neuberger of Janesville, WI; two great-grandchildren, Kayleigh and Maxon Stade; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers; Eugene and Richard McEwen. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sterling with Reverend James Keenan, pastor, officiating. Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.