Gerri George

A remarkable lady died July 14, 2022 at the age of 87.  Gerri died as she lived.  She decided when, where and how.  She passed away peacefully in her own home, in her own bed, beside Jim, her husband of 50 years.  Surrounded by a loving family, she finally gave into a heart problem.  A condition Gerri not only fought, but one that did not  slow her down for the past 25 years.  

Gerri lived the majority of her adult life in the Akron area.  As a young woman, she worked the typical jobs of the era, clerk, secretary, and personal and executive assistant.  She was always growing upward as the times allowed.  

Later she utilized her interpersonal skills to develop and run her own unique companies.  These she eventually gave up to develop Family Dental Team, Inc. along with her husband.  She became the company’s COO, helping to grow it from a single doctor practice into a highly successful multi location practice with onsite laboratory.  Her innovation in dental marketing won national awards.  

People that worked for Gerri were much more than employees.  They became close friends and surrogate family.  She was always a mentor and natural role model.  She believed in the right of unlimited growth, especially for female employees.  She demonstrated by example how a strong and decisive woman got things accomplished.  

She was an outspoken feminist and strong supporter of the LGBTQ community. 

Gerri hosted legendary charity parties at her homes.  They were legendary in that she so loved to entertain and give back, but it was her unique gift as a hostess that allowed people to relax and enjoy themselves.  It was always about fun and laughter.  

Gerri was a voracious reader, subscribing to three daily newspapers, numerous magazines, and periodicals.  She loved a good mystery novel, frequently reading several a week.  She was a lover of music, as well as all forms of beauty from art to flowers to decorating.  

If you met her, you never forget her.  

She is survived by husband, James D. George; daughters, Shawn (Crystal Canan) Spence, Heather (Mark Grucella) George; sons,Gregory (Sue) Spence, Scott (Susan) Spence, Ric Spence; grandchildren, Charlie Spence, Colleen Virant (Spence), Bobby Spence, Jessie Montoya (Spence), Haley Grucella, Tyler Grucella, and eight great-grandchildren.  

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the National Organization for Women (NOW), 1100 H Street NW Washington DC 20005. 

Private funeral/interment will be held.  At Gerri’s request, a celebration of life will be held in the near future.

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