Geraldine M. Ling's Obituary
Geraldine M. Ling, age 94, of Spring Lake passed away Friday, March 22, 2019 at Heartwood Lodge Hospice Residence. She was born September 18, 1924 in Hemlock, MI to Dr. Ernest and E. Maude (Moon) Ling. Gerry was a graduate of Hemlock High School, St. Mary’s School of Nursing (RN), Wayne State University (BSN) and Villanova University with her Master’s Degree.
Gerry was truly a student for life and as a pediatric nursing instructor, she was passionate about teaching her students how best to care for their young patients. She taught pediatric nursing at Muskegon Community College/Hackley Hospital, Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, was Assistant Professor of Nursing at Indiana University and Head Nurse at St. Christopher’s Hospital in Philadelphia. She retired in 1987. Even though she did not have children of her own, she cared for thousands of children in her role as a pediatric nurse and instructor.
During her retirement, Gerry wintered in Arizona and became an avid hiker. At age 75, she hiked with a group to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, spent 2 nights camped next to the river and then hiked back out. She was a dedicated fan of college sports, especially Arizona basketball and Notre Dame hockey. She loved taking family and friends, especially children, on a tour of Spring Lake on her pontoon boat. She always had something to be enthusiastic about. Her gentle, caring nature was evident to all.
Gerry is survived by her niece, Susan (Roger) Anderson; nephews: Charles Miller, James (Eileen) Ling, Thomas (Mary Ann) Ling, John Ling. She was preceded in death by her sister: Ernestine (Charles) Miller; brother, Dr. Kenneth (Ethel) Ling; nephew and niece, Donald and Janice (Vanderlinde) Miller; niece, Nancy (Erber) Miller.
A memorial service will take place 4:00 PM, Friday, May 10, 2019, at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes in Grand Haven, MI. Memorial contributions may be given to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes, St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Interment will take place at the Oakwood Mausoleum in Saginaw. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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