Geraldine Gerry (Gifford) Bigelow, 78, passed away Monday, May 30, surrounded by the love of her family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the wife of the late Hugh A. Bigelow with whom she recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. Gerry was born July 16, 1932, and raised in Cotuit. She was the daughter of the late Franklin Maynard Gifford and Winifred Hazel (Hoxie) Gifford. She graduated from Barnstable High School in 1950. Gerry continued her education at Mount Auburn Hospital, where she graduated with a registered nurse degree. Upon graduation, she worked for many years as a nurse in Boston, Stoughton and in New Jersey, where she resided for more than 30 years before moving back to Middleboro. She was a member of the Central United Methodist Church, where she was very active in the Cabot Club and Womens Club. She enjoyed nature and loved the beach and hiking - traveling most of the Appalacian trail in New Jersey. She received great pleasure from riding her bike on the canal, as well as tending to her flower gardens. She cherished the times she could spend with her grandchildren, family and friends and loved talking and playing games together. She is survived by her loving daughters, Charlene Kelly and her husband Jack of Dover, N.J., Pamela Bigelow-ONeill and her husband Dennis of Medford Lakes, N.J., Jennifer Harrison of Succasunna, N.J., and Belinda Rubinstein and her husband Ian of Sagamore; 10 grandchildren, Robert, Kimberly, Michael, Lisa, Merrick, Katrina, Christopher, Foster, Trevor and Jason; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends. She was the sister of the late Phyllis MacDowell, Joan Bryant, and Franklin Gifford. The family would like to thank everyone who helped with Gerrys care during her final months. It allowed them to fulfill her wishes and have her remain at home with constant friendship, caring and devotion. Visiting hours will be at Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St., Middleboro, Thursday, June 2, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Services will be at Central United Methodist Church, 14 School St., Middleboro, at 10 a.m. with a collation to follow. Relatives and friends are cordially invited. Following the collation, burial will be at Mosswood Cemetery, Putman Ave., Cotuit, for those friends and family members that would like to accompany the procession. Donations in her memory can be made to the charity of one's choice. For more information, visit www.eggerandashleyfh.com.


Published in The Enterprise on June 1, 2011