Obituary of Geraldine M. Thurston

Geraldine Mary (Foster) Thurston, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 20, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 4, 1933, to Mary & Gerald Foster. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 Years, Charles W. Thurston, her parents, her brother Norman, and several family members and life-long friends. She is survived by her children, whom she adored, Cynthia (Tom) Rogers, Kelly (Mike) Malagari, and Tim (Ann) Thurston; She was the Best Grandmother ever to Megan (Tom) Long, Jackie Johnson, Tara (Jon) Sims, Danielle Malagari, Kara (Taylor) Smith and Andrew (Mallory) Mastrogiovanni; 8 Great Grandchildren who Lovingly called her GG; Brayden, Mason, Landon, Bryce, Derek, Nola, Margaret and Jaxon. Also Surviving are her very special Foster nieces and nephews, many cherished cousins and friends. Gerry spent her teaching career in the Binghamton School District, most notably at North High School. She was a dedicated Color Guard Coach and enjoyed marching in the parades and attending the many sporting events with her squad. She took great pride in hearing all the success stories from the thousands of students she taught, and loved meeting them around town, where they always stopped to say hi to her. She was a true North High Indian at heart and always will be. She was always on the GO....and a staple at her children, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren's sporting events, and they truly loved having her there. She was an excellent skier and enjoyed being on the Ski Patrol at Innsbrook USA in Binghamton, and even spent a few years at Greek Peak. She was a lifelong member of the Parish of Saint John and Andrew and was a Lecturer and Eucharistic Minister at the 5:00 Mass on Saturdays. Other than her family, Gerry's main passion was GOLF. She was the club champion for many years at Ely Golf Course, a valued member of several ladies' golf leagues, Co-chaired local charity golf tournaments, as well as being a marshal at the BC/Dick's Open, where she was honored to meet Tiger Woods 'back in the day.' Whenever or wherever, there was a need for volunteering, Gerry was the first one in line. If you were lucky enough to call her: Mom, Gram, GG, Aunt, Mrs. Thurston, Favorite Golf-Partner, Cousin, Neighbor, Friend or just plain Gerry, please know you were loved! She will be deeply missed by all! A funeral Mass will be offered at the Church of Saints John and Andrew, Vestal Ave, Binghamton, on Monday, August 29, at 10 am. A Christian Burial will follow at Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Vestal. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, on Sunday from 12-2 pm. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider making a donation to the Cystic Fibrous Foundation (www.cff.org) or a Local Charity of Your Choice.