Gerry Mackie

erry Mackie, 92, passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2010, in Redding. Gerry was a longtime resident of Westlake Village.

Born in Maple Lake, Minn., to a farming family on April 27, 1918, she was the daughter of immigrant parents who came to America from Holland through Ellis Island, N.Y. in 1908. Her family later settled in Grand Rapids, Mich. Gerry could read, write and speak Dutch fluently. Her childhood dream was to become a teacher and despite hard times, she was able to put herself through college, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1943.

After WWII she, along with her husband, Paul, and their three children, Jack, Jim, and, Jeanne, relocated to Southern California. She taught third through sixth grade in the LA School District for 25 years. Continuing her education, Gerry received her Master's Degree from LA State College in 1956. During her teaching career, she volunteered to teach in a tuberculosis clinic for two years, and children with special needs for one year.

During her sabbatical, she traveled the world on her own for six months each in 1965 and 1967, visiting 56 countries. She received the Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Childhood Education. After an allergic reaction to an over-the-counter medication, Gerry was forced to retire from teaching in 1972 but kept busy operating a crisis line out of their home in Burbank.

n 1974 Gerry and Paul moved to Westlake Village. She was a member of the Westlake Yacht Club, and the Westlake Women's Club where she was instrumental in establishing scholarships for worthy students. She was a Hospice volunteer and was given a Certificate of Appreciation from City of Thousand Oaks for distinguished service. She was also a Master Graphologist and Certified Travel Counselor.

Gerry Mackie was preceded in passing by her husband, Paul; son, Jim; and five siblings.

She leaves a son and a daughter, Jack Mackie and Jeanne Raudman, along with seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Gerry Mackie's services will be held at 2 p.m. this Monday, Nov. 1 at the Allen-Dahl Chapel, 2655 Eureka Way, Redding, CA 96001-0249. Gerry was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was deeply loved and will be truly missed.