Geraldine Oney
Geraldine “Gerry” Oney passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 5, 2024. She was born December 9, 1927 in Herrin, Illinois to Clarence Gerhardt and Bethel Dixon Gerhardt. She was raised in Southern Illinois and during the latter part of World War II, worked in a war plant in Joliet, Illinois painting bombs. After the war, Gerry married Benjamin Cowsert also from Southern Illinois. They had a son, William, before divorcing. In 1951, Gerry was introduced to Wayne Oney who was home on leave from the U.S. Navy and Wayne was immediately attracted. After much correspondence and a couple of more short leaves from the Navy so Wayne could get back to pursue his new found love, they were married on March 12, 1953. Wayne adopted Gerry's son in 1958.
Initially, Gerry did not like being a Navy Wife, "the toughest job in the Navy", but she soon adapted and became one of the best helpmates any sailor could ever hope to have. During the twenty-three plus years Gerry was a Navy Wife she accomplished many things. She went to night school and earned her high school diploma, completed a very challenging business college course, worked as a bookkeeper in Danville, IL, Key West, and San Diego. She also volunteered many hours working for Navy Relief in New London, CT. Additionally, she greatly assisted Wayne in his effort to obtain a 8.S. in Accounting. During the seven and one-half years he attended night school, she completed many of the same assignments that he did so they could discuss the subject matter and compare notes. Wayne has often said that without her help and encouragement he would never have received his degree.
Following Wayne's retirement from the Navy in1976, Gerry and Wayne decided to invest in residential rental property and at one time owned six duplexes. This proved to be a financially rewarding but physically taxing venture, which began in 1981 and lasted until 1995. They did all the management and most of the maintenance themselves. Wayne had a full time job so when vacancies occurred, Gerry did most of the cleaning, scrubbing and painting.
Finally, in 2012, Gerry and Wayne decided a CCRC was the appropriate venue for them to spend their final years and they made their move to Patriots Colony at Williamsburg.
Gerry is preceded in death by her son, William, who passed away in 2004; her mother and father; and siblings, Lavern, Joe, Pauline and Phyllis. She is survived by Wayne, her husband of 71 years, and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if you care to donate in her memory, please consider St. Jude Children's hospital or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www. nelsenwilliamsburg.com.