Obituary - Geraldine "Gerry" Lavonne Albertson Taylor

The world lost a sweet, kind soul to dementia complications Sept. 28, 2017.

A lifelong Havre resident, Geraldine "Gerry" Lavonne Albertson Taylor was born on June 9, 1927, to Jerry and Lavonne (Hedman) Albertson. Gerry graduated from Havre High School in 1945 and married Warren H. P. Taylor in 1950. The couple raised three children during their 63-year marriage. In addition to being a loving, nurturing, devoted wife, mother, daughter, aunt and homemaker, Gerry worked for the Great Northern Railroad. Later, her caring and compassionate sensibilities earned her an award and recognition for savings lives during her employment as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell.

Gerry was unrivaled in her generosity, selflessness, kindness, compassion, gentleness and nurturing nature. Her twinkling blue eyes, infectious smile, hearty laugh and youthful giggle never waned, even in the later stages of her illness. Renowned for her culinary delights, Gerry's from-scratch baking and cooking were frequently requested, readily available and oozing with the love with which they were made. A lover of music, she could often be heard humming or singing whatever struck her fancy, including children's songs and religious hymns. Gerry loved and adored people of all ages, most particularly young children and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She savored learning about people and could converse for hours, swapping stories and taking genuine interest in the lives of others. To know her was to love her.

Gerry marveled at nature's splendor, from the grandeur of Glacier Park and Alaska's glaciers, to the Bear Paw Mountains and everything in between. She basked in the beauty of songbirds, and pleasured in planting and nurturing her flowers and crabapple and lilac trees. She enjoyed fishing, hunting and wildlife, with the exception of those "awful" bears! Some of her memorable, unique, and commonly used expressions include "biff" or "biffy" to describe a bathroom, "man-oh-man-oh-man-oh," "oh my heavenly days," and "bless her little heart."

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren; son Gary Taylor; grandson-in-law Michael Gaub; parents, Jerry and Lavonne Albertson; brother, Jerold "Bud" Albertson; sister-in-law, Rhoda Albertson, and niece Rhonda Nordgulen.  

Gerry is survived by her son Roger (Carol) Taylor of San Leandro, CA; daughter Darla Taylor of Seeley Lake, MT; daughter-in-law Nancy Taylor Stewart of Mesa, Arizona; eight grandchildren, Angie (Dale) Robertson-Bakken, Brandi (Todd) Zimbelman, Misti Robertson-Gaub, Tina Robertson, Casey (Andrea) Taylor, Gentry (Laci) Taylor, Carmen (Michael) Qualls Jr. and Warren (Trisha) Taylor; numerous great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; niece and nephews Kenneth "Butch" (Polly) Albertson, Brett (Julie) Albertson and Mardy Albertson; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017.

Gerry's family has suggested memorial donations be made in her name to the Northern Montana Care Center, 24 13th St., Havre, MT 59501; the Fifth Avenue Christian Church, 2015 Fifth Avenue, Havre, MT 59501, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Gerry's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.