Geraldine Harlow

Waterford — Geraldine R. Harlow, 77, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday morning, Dec. 13, 2017, after a fearless battle with cancer.

She was born in New London, on June 13, 1940, the daughter of Maxwell H. Sanford and Lillian M. Sanford (Rolfe). Gerri graduated from New London High School and was soon married to Keith E. Harlow Sr. of Kittery, Maine. The two soon began their family of six children. She then embarked on a rewarding career in nursing, completing the Licensed Practical Nursing program at Norwich Regional Vocational High School. Her career included employment at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, Seaside Regional Center and Greentree Manor Convalescent Home.

Gerri found comfort in her faith at the First Baptist Church of Waterford, participating in The Ladies Guild and teaching Sunday school. She took warm pride in caring for her six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Gerri always embraced God, family and friends; her home was the hub of family, fellowship, friendship and love. She will be missed dearly.

Gerri and Keith spent their life together with sincere dedication to each other, their family and God. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Keith E. Harlow Sr., and their children, Dennis W. Harlow of Waterford, Brenda L. Adamson of Waterford, Laurie J. King of Niantic, Rebecca J. Harlow of New London, and Keith E. Harlow Jr. and his wife, Megan (McSweeney), of Waterford; her six grandchildren, Brian K. Adamson, Karalyn M. Harlow, Maxine H. Adamson, Joshua M. Harlow, Samantha J. King, Finbar J. Harlow; and great-grandson Dominic J. Harlow. Gerri is also survived by siblings, Reginald, Maxwell and Marsden Sanford, Dorothy Boysworth, Winnie Stephens (her shadow) and Shirley Passarelli. Gerri was predeceased by her dear baby daughter, Caroline R. Harlow, and siblings, James Rolfe, Maxine, Donald and Robert Sanford and Delores Beers.

An open memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Waterford First Baptist Church, 105 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford. The family will receive family and friends for fellowship from 1 to 3 p.m. at Filomena’s Restaurant, 262 Boston Post Road, Waterford. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities: March of Dimes Connecticut Chapter, 500 Winding Brook Dr., Suite 8, Glastonbury, CT 06033 or The American Cancer Society, 238 West Town St., Norwich, CT 06360.

Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, has been entrusted with her care.