Geraldine Ruth Hartley

HARTLEY, Geraldine Ruth

April 30, 1931 (Trochu, Alberta) - February 9, 2021 (Calgary, Alberta)

Geraldine Ruth Hartley (nee Adam), beloved wife of James “Bev” Hartley of Calgary, Alberta, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at the age of 89.

Geraldine is predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Emma Adam; and her sister, Inez “Faye” Ball.  She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Bev Hartley; her son, Steve (Toni) Hartley; her grandchildren, Parker, Jake, Kaycie and Tyson; and her daughter, Cindy Grabowecky (Chris); her granddaughter, Cheryl Rasmuson (Oliver); and her great granddaughter, Abigale; and grandson Michael Grabowecky.  She will be greatly missed by her loving family.

Born in Trochu, she was Adam’s second child. Gerry attended school and Church in Trochu, and was baptized in a swimming pool at the age of 13.  At 15, she and her family moved to Calgary.  Her older sister Faye was already in Calgary attending Mount Royal College and First Baptist Church, so the family made First Baptist Church their home Church as well. Gerry was an accomplished pianist and was offered, but declined, an opportunity to attend New York’s Julliard School of Music for the musically gifted at the age of 16.  Gerry graduated from Western Canada High School, and then attended Henderson’s Business College. She began her career in a lawyer’s office, which resulted in many years of service in the legal field.  When she returned to work, she was promoted from a legal secretary to a legal assistant. 

As a young person, Gerry was involved with CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training), taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, played the piano for Wednesday Prayer Meetings and Sunday evening services.  She also attended Baptist Young People’s Union where she met a young man by the name of Bev Hartley.  They were married by Dr. Gordon Jones at First Baptist Church on July 25, 1952 and soon after had their children, Steve and Cindy.

While staying at home with her children, Gerry taught piano lessons, and attended Young Mothers and the Lucy Bagnall Mission Group at First Baptist.  She and Bev continued to sing in the choir.

Over the years she was involved in many groups at First Baptist Church, such as Baptist Women, Ladies Take a Break, two cell groups called “Mafia” and the “Camera Club”, Lucy Bagnall Group and Norman Dabb’s Group.  She attended First Baptist Church for over 70 years.

Her greatest love was to spend time with family and friends, especially babysitting her grandchildren.  She felt fortunate and blessed to have two children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.  She also enjoyed going for country drives to look at the scenery and talk about all the wonderful stories of her family life growing up in Trochu.  She always enjoyed going on “beach” holidays, especially Hawaii.  Gerry’s favorite color was blue and she loved crocuses.  She enjoyed “relaxed” gospel and classical music.  Her hobbies involved interior decorating. 

Geraldine, a people person, was deeply devoted, loyal and absolutely loved her family and friends.  She felt great joy connecting with everyone in her life, appreciated honesty in folks and enjoyed meeting new people.

We would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to the staff at Auburn Retirement Residence and to her Doctor, Dr. Ajayson Gopie, who did an outstanding job in taking care of Gerry’s needs with love and compassion, especially in her last months. 

A Private Family Service will be held.  Donations in memory of Gerry can be made to “First Baptist Calgary Foundation”. 

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.