Brewer - Geraldine Gertrude (Nelson) Douglas, 81, died peacefully on February 24, surrounded by her loving family. She courageously battled cancer for eight years, a challenge she faced with characteristic optimism, determination, and an unwavering zest for life. Jerry was born on July 3, 1933, the oldest of six children of Ronald and Marion (Goodwin) Nelson. She spent her early years in Clinton, graduating from Clinton H.S. at the age of 16. She went on to attend Farmington State Teacher’s College (now UMaine, Farmington), where she graduated with a degree in home economics, and met her future husband, Richard “Dick” Douglas. Jerry h ad a lifelong affection for her alma mater, attending many reunions and keeping in touch with classmates.
She and Dick were married August 27, 1955, building a home together in Milford where they raised their two children. She taught for 40 years in the Old Town school system, where she earned the esteem and affection of both students and colleagues. An avid reader and long-time book club member, she loved to read to students even after her retirement. Jerry’s energy and enthusiasm were reflected in her many talents, including sewing, knitting, gardening, cooking, and entertaining her large circle of family and friends. For many years, she was an active member of the Milford Congregational Church and belonged to the Delta Kappa Gamma educators’ honor society. Some of her happiest times were spent at the family cottage on Cold Stream Pond – enjoying many summers “at camp” and all that it entailed. Following Dick’s death in 2002, she later married Warren Burns, with whom she spent six happy years until his passing in 2012. She is survived by her children, Lori Douglas Clark and husband Ken, of Readfield, and Rick Douglas and wife Amy, of Destin, FL; grandchildren Craig Douglas, Sean, Emily, and Elise Clark, and Brianna and Joey Morfesi; sisters Patricia Madach and Caron Timpone; special relatives Robert and Marion Douglas and Ralph Robie; several nieces and nephews; Tom Burns and wife Cynthia and children; and John Burns and wife Nancy and children. She was predeceased by her brother Ronald Nelson and sisters Phyllis Robie and Coralie Begin. Family and friends are invited to visit from 5-7pm, Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main St., Brewer. A celebration of Geraldine’s life will be conducted 11am Friday, February 27, 2015 at the First Congregational Church of Milford, with the Rev. Andrew Geaghan, pastor, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. Those who wish to remember Geraldine in a special way, may make gifts in her memory to the First Congregational Church of Milford PO Box 387, Milford, ME 04461. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.