Obituary of Rita Boland Gery

Rita Boland Gery, 97, died April 17, 2013, after a short illness at Sunrise Senior Living in Media, PA, where she had been a resident since October 2012. She lived in Silver Spring, MD, for over 50 years, before moving to Media, PA, in 2003. Born in Robesonia, PA, she was the last surviving child of the late Thomas N. and Mary Gertrude (Flanagan) Boland. Rita worked for Holy Ghost Missions and many years for the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity in Silver Spring, MD, where she formed many precious and lifelong friendships. She was also the Secretary to the Rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., retiring in 1981. Rita was a longtime member of St. Michael the Archangel Church and St. Bernadette's Church in Silver Spring, MD. She was very active in church activities, including the Ladies' Sodality, cleaning the church, Eucharistic Ministry, Lectoring and St. Bernadette's Tuesday (travel) Club. Rita was a founding board member and a founding volunteer for many years with The Shepherd's Table, a non-profit organization in Silver Spring, helping the disadvantaged. Rita and her husband, Lester enjoyed extensive traveling, fine arts (concerts, lectures, plays) and did much volunteer work. Rita especially treasured time with her family. Rita was the widow of Lester R. Gery, who died in March 2004; in addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two sons, Thomas J. Gery and Michael K. Gery; son-in-law, Joseph V. Friel; grandson, Sean M. Hancock. Also predeceased by twelve brothers and sisters: Margaret B. Altenderfer, Matthew J. Boland, Mary B. Winkfield, Thomas N. Boland, Anna C. Boland, Helen B. Tate, John V. Boland, Loretta C. Kuhn, Lawrence F. Boland, Alice P. Boland, Clement R. Boland and Robert K. Boland. SURVIVORS Four Daughters: Ann-Marie G. Friel of Lancaster, PA, Margaret A. Hancock (Daniel) of Media, PA, Leslie R. McCann of Wilmington, DE and Elizabeth H. Gery (Richard Brennan) of New York, NY Daughter-in-law: Linda V. Gery of Frederick, MD Four Grandchildren: Patrick D. Gery (Daniella) of Madison, WI, Christopher M. Gery (Alana) of Columbia, MD, Kathryn M. Gery of Frederick, MD and Alice G. Brennan of New York, NY; Great Grandson: Desmond J. Gery Memorial Contributions Rita loved flowers, but especially loved helping people. The family therefore requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Rev. Abram Dono, S.T., Missionary Servants of the most Holy Trinity, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 101 W. 31st St., Tucson, AZ 85713; or The Shepherd's Table, 8210 Colonial Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910.