Geraldine Anne “Jerie” McCafferty
January 24, 1948 - April 4, 2020
On Saturday, April 4, 2020, Geraldine Anne “Jerie” McCafferty, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in her home in Bear, Delaware, at the age of 72. Jerie passed peacefully in her sleep after a ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in Chester, PA on January 24, 1948, she was a daughter of the late Clarence “Gunk” and Constance “Connie” Phillips. She met her high school sweetheart, Jack McCafferty, in home room at Chichester High School in 1963 and the two were married on August 17, 1968 at Holy Saviour Church in Linwood, PA. After many years of trying to have children, Jack and Jerie were blessed with two daughters, Melissa (1984) and Lauren (1985), who were born only eleven months apart, making them Irish twins.
Jerie’s life centered around her loving husband and her two daughters. Many people remember their conversations with Jerie being focused on her girls. Jerie would tell anyone who was willing to listen, including the cashier at the grocery store, about her girls and their accomplishments.
Jerie loved spending time with her family and hosting family holidays and get-togethers. She was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend. Jerie always put her loved ones’ needs before her own and would do anything for her family. She is best known for her kindness, generosity, and big heart.
Jerie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in July 2010, at the age of 62. She battled the disease with beauty, grace, dignity, and strength, never losing her sweet nature or her caring heart. Jerie was also a breast cancer survivor.
Left to carry on her legacy is her husband, Jack; her daughters, Melissa Auger (Ryan) and Lauren Dykovitz (Steve); her beautiful granddaughters, Charlotte and Millie Auger; her sister, Diane Cellinesi; her brother, Jeffrey Phillips; her sister-in-law, Elaine Gray; and many other loving family members.
The immediate funeral services and burial will be private. The family plans to hold a larger memorial service at a later date, which has yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerie’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Carmen
💜 I am so sorry for your families loss 💜
Cindy Hetherington Prow
My very deepest condolences for this precious life that God so blessed you with. May she rest in ever loving peace.
Marie Smith
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Tracy Neumann
My thoughts are with all of you. You have a lot to be proud of with how you loved and supported your wife/mom/grandma as she declined from Alzheimer’s. You have much to honour with how she loved you as well. Love is strong in your family. So glad you have each other in your time of loss. XO
Debra Phillips
Jerie you will be missed by everyone who knew you. You were a kind and loving mother, friend and sister-in-law. The memory I cherish the most is how deeply you loved your husband and family. Rest in peace.
Jack & Arlette Wright
I have so many wonderful memories of my cousin, Jerie. She will be missed by all who knew her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Melissa, Lauren and their families.
Susan Heintzman
I’m so very sorry to hear this! You and your Mom have been such a bright light in such a dismal time…thank you for loving her the way you do and for inspiring the rest of us! May she Rest In Peace until you see each other again.
Chrissy Haggerry
Lauren, your mother fought a courageous battle for a very long time. She is at peace now, I have been praying for many years for you and your family and read along with your heartbreak. I will continue to pray for you all.
Melissa and John Gray
We will always remember your kindness and welcoming smile whenever we were together. Thank you for all the memories you have left for us. You will be missed but never forgotten. We will hold close our Uncle Jack, Melissa&Ryan,Lauren& Steve and your beautiful grandchildren forever. Our family circle is strong because of you. God bless
Bill Finkbiner
Jack, our most sincere condolences to you and yours. I have the fondest memories of Jerie and will always remember her. God Bless.
Bill Finkbiner and Family
Brian Grant
I’m sorry for your loss Lauren & Steve. Rest in Peace Mrs. McCafferty. A life well lived.
Geraldine cooke
Thinking of you all this sad time “You don’t have tomorrow but lovely memories of yesterday “..💜💙
Elaine McCafferty Gray
There never was a kinder, sweeter person than Jerie. We were sisters in law and friends for more than fifty years. She was a strong, vibrant person who loved Jack and Her girls, Melissa and Lauren. Jerie fought her disease valiantly for many years and was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. I miss you Jerie. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love You Forever,
Elaine
Elaine DiPietro
Aunt Jerie, Thank you for being a wonderful aunt and a positive influence in my life. I will miss your laughter and love. Thank you for all the memories of holidays spent together and family gatherings. I will never forget you. XOXO (Little) Elaine
Uncle Jack, Melissa, Lauren, Ryan, Steve, Charlotte and Millie, We are so sorry for your loss of the love of your life, your mom, your mother in law and your grandmother. Aunt Jerie’s life was filled with the love of all of you and all who knew her. May you find peace and comfort in knowing you much she was loved very much by many. Love, Elaine and Gary
Josie Sheridan
God saw you in your suffering. He knew you had you share. So he took you in his loving arms. May God continue to watch over your family.
Frannie Hughes
My heart is very heavy to hear of the passing of a dear friend. My deepest sympathy to LeAnn, Lauren & the rest of his family. God bless each & everyone of you.
Kelly Mini
In our hearts forever 💜
Christine Gray
I’m so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman. Aunt Jerie was always so kind and friendly. She always made me feel so at ease at a party because I knew she could carry on a conversation with anyone. She love to talk and was interested in everyone’s life and stories. I will miss her very much. I wish I could be there to give all of you a big hug, but that can not be right now. I hope we can all be together soon to remember her and all the blessings she has brought our family.
My love and deepest condolances
Chrissy and Mel
Diane Cellinesi
Jerie, my heart is broken for so many reasons!! I’ve been missing our talks, our laughs, our shopping trips, for years! Love you forever, your sister Diane!
Jeanne Bowersox
I am so sorry for your loss.
Praying that all of the family will be comforted in their sorrow!
Rest in Peace, Jeri.🙏💙
Gil Smith
Jack so sorry for you loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Fr. Greg Corrigan
I was drawn to read Jerie’s obituary after seeing the powerful image of her. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words and I see the courage and beauty of a person whose dignity remains even after years of suffering. God bless her and her amazing family. Thank you for your incredible love. May she now sing with the angels. Peace.