Geraldine B. Battista (Close) of West Chester

Geraldine B. Battista (Close) “Gerri/ Nona” our beloved Mother, Sister, Aunt, and Grandmother, passed away on April 25, 2018. Gerri was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania to the late Thomas and Ann Carter Close.

She lived for many years on Adams Street in West Chester, PA. Gerri graduated from West Chester High School in 1957, from Temple University in 1962, and from University of Albany in 2004. After graduating from Temple, she immediately became a Journalist for a newspaper in Binghamton, NY until she had her first child, and then left the newspaper to become the wonderful mother we all knew.

Gerri tirelessly worked for Dutchess County Social Services for 23 years from 1987 until her retirement in 2010. During this time she helped hundreds of adults and children while working in Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Adoption Unit, and Foster Care Unit. Gerri was also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. She was an unendingly devoted social worker, coworker and friend to many. She was a longtime member of the Regina Coeli Roman Catholic Church in Hyde Park and a loyal parishioner.

Gerri loved everyone and was especially fond of her animal friends. She loved her years living on the farm on Rymph Road in Clinton Corners where she and her children raised sheep, goats, pigs, and horses.

She was a tremendous supporter of the Chester County Hospital, Chester County Historical Society, and member and Co-President of the Hershey’s Mill Chester County Auxiliary, and partook in significant fundraising for these organizations.

Gerri is survived by three daughters, whom she cherished; Allison (Brad) Robenstein; Kelly Libolt (Chris Johnson), Susan (John) Schaeffer, and was “Nona” to her 6 beloved grandchildren, and two sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Agnes Church, 233 Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380. A graveside ceremony will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, 1050 Pottstown Pike, West Chester PA 19380.

If sending flowers for service, please refer to Blue Moon Florist. 610873-7900.

Family requests contributions can be made in Gerri’s name to Chester County Hospital Foundation, 701 East Marshall Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380, www.chestercountyhospital.org/giving/

Online condolences can be made by visiting www. jamesterryfuneralhome. com