Sandra “Sandy” Anne Gerry

Born February 27, 1943 in Ironwood, a daughter of Francis A. and Betty C. (Johnson) Secor, Sandy was raised in Ironwood Township. She graduated from the Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, Class of 1961, and then attended Gogebic Community College for a year.

She was first employed as an insurance agency receptionist for three years and, on August 21, 1965, was united in marriage to Joseph Gerry at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hurley. The couple made their first home in Superior where Sandy was again employed as a receptionist while Joe completed his college education.

In 1966, they moved to White Pine and purchased their first home. Joe taught in the White Pine School District for over 30 years, also coaching girl’s basketball and track, while Sandy managed the White Pine Hardware Store from 1973 to 2004.

In 2004, Sandy and Joe moved to Sawyer and purchased a home to be nearer their children. In her leisure, Sandy enjoyed nothing better than spending time with her children and grandchildren, always interested in and following their activities. She was an admitted “shopaholic” and she and her daughter would be relentless when entering a shopping area.

Sandy was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church in Marquette. She was deeply proud to be a White Piner and loved her small town and served it faithfully as both a member and president of the White Pine School Board. She was always full of energy and on the go. As long as she had her coffee and Coke Zero, she was a happy camper.

Survivors include two daughters, Beth (Todd) Swanson of Negaunee and Wilma (Dave) Schoh of Caledonia, MN; a daughter-in-law, Jennifer Gerry of Marquette; her grandchildren, Adam (Emily) Schoh, Kyle (Jessica) Schoh, Amber (Corey) Bell, Anthony (Skye Clinton) and Evan Gerry; great-grandchildren, Makenna, Elliot, Julia, Owen, Graham, Crosby, and Beckham Schoh and Aubrey and Carson Bell; a brother, Daniel (Geri) Secor of Washington, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; son, Joe Gerry, and a granddaughter, Cheryl Gerry; her sisters-in-law, Ursula (the late Walter) Kulik of Escanaba and Karen (the late George) Gerry of Huntsville, AL.

The family would like to express their deep thanks to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice for their compassionate care as well as the staff at Norlite Nursing Center.

Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Wednesday, July 1 from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm. Rev. Dan Moll will officiate. A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room.

Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com