Gerry Sininger, 88

Geraldine “Gerry” Sininger, 88 years, of Bryan, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015 at home in Westerville, Ohio, with her family at her side.  Geraldine was born November 16, 1926 in Coldwater, Ohio, the daughter of the late Dan and Odelia (Tangemann) Schoch.  Geraldine married Raymond Sininger on July 1, 1950, and lived in Garrett, Indiana before moving to Bryan.  He preceded her in death on July 24, 1983. Gerry was a talented musician and shared these talents with young and old, throughout her life.  She was an accomplished trumpeter and won the state championship during her high-school years.  After graduation, she auditioned and was accepted into the famous Phil Spitalny and His All Girl Orchestra out of New York City.  She also played the trumpet and was a featured vocalist for “Earl Baltes and His Melody Makers” playing for dances throughout Ohio.  Gerry gave trumpet and piano lessons to many of the students of Bryan.  She conducted the Adult and Children’s Choirs at St. Patrick Church for several years.  During her tenure there, the adult choir grew to 35 members and the children’s choir to 63 members.  Gerry was passionate about teaching young children the history as well as the appreciation of all types of music.  She also loved animals and had such a big heart that no stray cat that came to her door would go hungry or cold during the winter weather.  Gardening was another of her skills, and her beautiful yard was a source of many happy times through the spring and summer.

Gerry is survived by two daughters, Barbara Sininger (Scott Pearson) of Columbus, Linda (John) Bass of Westerville, Ohio, and one son,  Bruce Sininger of Grosse Pointe, Michigan; her loving granddaughters, Rachel (CPT Paul) Crites of San Antonio, Texas, Emily (Frank) Glinski of Brooklyn, New York and Nora Bass, also of Brooklyn.  During the Christmas holiday, she was serenaded with song by her great-grandson, Max Crites as well as his sister Harper Crites.  She was also able to meet for the first time her one year old twin great-granddaughters, Harlow and Finn Glinski.  She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Lucy and Mildred Schoch as well as her sisters, Marilyn (Vince) Kanney and Jeanette (George) Fisher.  She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Roger and Bud Schoch and loving sister, Rita Noll.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan followed by a celebratory luncheon. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan.

The family would like to express special thanks to Visiting Angels, especially Penny Font, who became a trusted friend and care-giver to mom.  Also thanks to Community Health Professionals Hospice of Bryan and Ohio Health Hospice of Columbus.  Many kind and loving professionals helped our family throughout this journey.  We also thank Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home for their care and help.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Felines Rescue Center, 14597 Power Dam Road, Defiance, Ohio 43512.