It is with great joy and sorrow that the family of Geraldine Veronica Byinton express her calling to Our Lord’s Kingdom on St. Valentine’s Day, which represents the celebration of love and affection.
Gerri, as she preferred to be called, shared these qualities with everyone she came in contact with and you always left with a smile on your face.
Born on Dec. 15, 1934, our mother was truly blessed. She fought a courageous battle against cancer. In March, 2009, she underwent surgery for a lung removal; with the help and strength of the Lord’s healing hand, the cancer was defeated for seven more precious years.
In July, 2016, the cancer became active again, this time in her bones, and it raged throughout her body, causing much pain. With her faith in Jesus, she overcame the pain and rarely complained. Even though she knew her time was near, she continually proclaimed, “God has been good to me.”
The love and affection of our mother will be missed by all; moreso her children, daughters, JoAnn and Margaret (Mike), and sons, John (Ritalyn), and Bill (Lorraine).
Grama’s love also will be missed by her grandchildren, Robbie, Ashley, Tanis, Rodger, James, Jeremy, Crystal, and Jamie; and many precious great-grandchildren.
Mom was predeceased by our father, Wm. George Thompson; her second husband, Terry Byington; daughter, Tina Marie; four grandsons, John King and his twin, Bradley Thompson, and baby Jerome Thompson; and son-in-law, Bob Crawley.
Mom’s passion in life was to “Love her Lord,” “Love her Family,” and “Love her Garden” (which she shared with all).
She also loved to watch and feed all the birds. Most of all; it was to serve and bring joy into people’s lives.
Her farewell message to all who knew her is from Psalms 34:1-3:
“I will bless the Lord at all times,
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord,
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh! Magnify the Lord with me and exalt His name together, for “He has been good to me.”
As per Gerri’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at a later date at the McInnes Creek Chapel.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Gideon’s c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
GERALDINE VERONICA BYINGTON
