Geraldine Theresa (Shumaker) Langlois

Geraldine (Gerry) T. Langlois, age 84, passed away on Friday, April 9, 2010, surrounded by her loving family. At sunrise, our Lord opened the gates of heaven for Gerry. The lake was glistening from the sun, as if a stairway descended from heaven welcoming Gerry home.

Gerry was born in DePere, Wisconsin, on April 13, 1925, daughter of the late Florence and John Shumaker; twin sister of the late Genevieve (Roland) Benzow. She graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School and later continued her education at Gateway Technical School.

Gerry devoted her life to her “One Big Happy Family” and will forever be remembered as a cherished wife, a caring mother, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. If it had been possible, Gerry would have also adopted each family’s dog.

On July 14, 1945, Gerry was united in marriage to Lewis D. Berns. They built a life together around their six children. They parted after 32 years.

Gerry was a devoted homemaker the majority of the years her children were young. Later, Gerry was employed by the Racine Unified School District for twenty years, retiring in 1992 from the Diagnostic Center.

After retiring, Gerry traveled to Ocala, FL, to visit her dear friend, Shirley Madden. While visiting, Shirley introduced Gerry to her friend, Jack, who had recently lost his wife. The next chapter of Gerry’s life was about to begin.

On August 7, 1993, Gerry was united in marriage to Jack D. Langlois. They enjoyed endless days of love, laughter and joy for close to 17 years. Their summer months were spent in Racine, Wisconsin. They became members of St. Richard’s Catholic Church. Gerry and Jack spent the winters in their home in Ocala, Florida. They were parishioners at “Father P.J.‘s” Queen of Peace Catholic Church. They were also members of the Golden Hills Country Club. Gerry loved golf and started the “9-Holers Group” at the club. Gerry also loved traveling. Among their many adventures, their fondest memories were from trips to Europe, Malta, Hawaii, Canada and New England.

Survivors include her loving husband, Jack D. Langlois; her six children, Theresa (Gordon) Baker of Evansville, IN, William J. Berns of Racine, Kristine (Ronald) Harden of Lake Mary, FL, Patricia (Ronald) Langenfeld of Union Grove, WI, Daniel (Nassrin) Berns of Boca Raton, FL, Richard (Debra) Berns of Racine; Jack’s sons, Robert (Marsha) Langlois of Ormond Beach, FL, John Langlois of Ocala, FL, Peter Langlois of San Francisco, CA, David (Marcella) Langlois of Rome, GA; 25 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, her brother-in-law, Roland (Nancy) Benzow of Racine; sister-in-law, Joan Flynn of Needham, MA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by all of her sisters and brothers, Eloise (Wally) Felbab, Mary Christensen Dirksen, twin sister Genevieve (Roland) Benzow, Chester (Jane) Shumaker, and David (Dottie) Shumaker.

Relatives and friends are asked to meet at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 15th and Grand Avenue, on Thursday, April 15, 2010, at 6 p.m. for the Mass of Christian Burial with Father Paul Raczynski officiating.  Private burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery on Highway 32. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday, before the Mass, from 4-6 p.m.

Memorials have been suggested to Hospice Alliance or to the American Cancer Society.

Gerry’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Doctors John Lopez and Michael Mullane, and also to Hospice Alliance for easing our family’s pain and guiding us during Gerry’s journey home to our Lord.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888