Geraldine Mae “Gerry” Fisher, 87 of Palmer Twp., PA died Friday, January 13, 2023 at home. Born April 18, 1935 in Easton she was a daughter of the late Simon Strouse, Sr. and Hilda (Richebacher) Heimbach and stepdaughter of the late Earl Heimbach. She and her husband Carl R. Fisher would have been married 68 years this February 19th. Gerry was a 1953 graduate of Easton High School and 1978 graduate of Northampton Community College where she was in the first class earning the title of Certified Legal Assistant.
She was employed as a legal secretary after graduating from high school, taking a short break to work the night shift at Binney & Smith, while raising her family. She returned to the legal field to serve as William Hogan’s legal secretary and then as secretary for Samuel Lavella, Northampton County Court Reporter. During this time, she was named Secretary of the Year by the Lehigh-Northampton Counties Legal Secretaries Association. She ended her career as a Judicial Secretary for the Honorable Judges Hogan and Franciosa for 14 years before retiring in 1998.
Gerry was a very active member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Easton where she was a member of SAW, the Altar Guild, SAC, Memorial Committee and a Lay Eucharistic Visitor. She was also a member of the National Association of Legal Secretaries, Lehigh-Northampton Counties Legal Secretaries Association and Past-Treasurer of the PA Association of Legal Secretaries, remaining active throughout her retirement even during her brief illness.
Lovingly call Nana by many who loved her and knew her favorite day was “Nana’s Christmas”, she is survived by her husband Carl; her pride and joy, 4 children and their children: Carl Fisher of Allentown (children: Sean (Paula) Fisher and James Fisher); Linda (Keith) Baskwell of Wilson Borough (children: Matthew (Courtney) Baskwell, Christopher Baskwell, Rachel (Rudy) Kinchen and Christine (Oliver) Thompson); Wayne (Daniella) Fisher of Cincinnati (children: Andrew and Joshua Fisher); Kurt (Jenn Turdo) Fisher (children: Brandi (Christopher) Cooper and Kristen Fisher); and her 9 beloved great-grandchildren: Tegan, Makenzie Jo, Alexander, Tatum, Elliot, Zachary, Andrew, Arielle and Sophie Mae; daughters-in-law: Kim Hudak and Lisa Fisher; sister: Karen (Bob) Wickkiser; brother-in-law: Robert (Linda) Fisher; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were considered family, especially the Beach Girls. She was predeceased by her brothers: Simon “Si” Strouse, Jr. and Richard “Ike” Strouse.
The family asks that you raise a glass of wine, or a fruity cocktail, and toast a life lived to its fullest. They also want to thank St .Luke’s Hospice and the caregivers from Caring Connection who made Gerry’s last week of her life peaceful.
A Memorial Service will be held February 11th at 11 AM in St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 3900 Freemansburg Ave., Easton, PA 18045 with a calling period from 10:30 to 11 AM. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, ATTN: Memorial Fund. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Karen Barilone
January 14, 2023 at 2:18 pm
So sorry to get the news today. Heaven just got another Angel! You will be sadly missed by all who love you and by all the many lives you touched. You were such an enormous part of Altar Guild at St.Andrews, and I’m sure you put your heart into everything you were involved in. Rest In Peace my friend, til we meet again💔
Katelind Brennan
January 14, 2023 at 4:53 pm
Prayers to the family. Gerry was a wonderful kind person. She always put her family first and was loved by everyone at Northampton Court. I have her to thank for helping me start my career as an Adult Probation Officer. She will be missed by many. Katelind Brennan
Bonnie Leidy
January 16, 2023 at 6:14 am
How sad to hear the news. My deepest condolences to Carl and the entire family. What a marvelous woman she was. I so admired her generous and kind heart. She was always smiling and laughing. She will be so dearly missed and forever remembered as she was truly a light in this world. What joy she exuded! May God comfort all those who held a tender place in their hear for her.
TerriAnne (Sales) Novak
February 13, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Gerry has been a kindred spirit since we met when I was in my teens. I will always treasure the smiles the she, Carl and I shared when I gave a speech as the “old” church member and he gave the speech as the “new” one. Though I moved an ocean away, I always made sure to meet up for a diner breakfast and bible study whenever I was in town. She has been my sister in Christ for 30 years and I know that her arms will wrap around me in a hug and she’ll give me a deep voiced welcome when I join her in heaven one day. Gerry indeed lived life to the fullest and I am blessed to have known her. I am holding all her family in my thoughts and prayers.