Geraldine (Gerri) Sugar Torhan, 81, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, April 19, 2024, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Gerri was born on July 9th, 1942, in Baldwinsville, New York and graduated from CW Baker High School in 1959. While raising her three daughters, Kristin Marie, Katherine Leigh, and Karen Elizabeth, she worked many jobs, and eventually retired from a successful career with MetLife in Virginia Beach as their office manager.
Gerri had many passions in life. She enjoyed sewing beautiful clothing for her children and grandchildren in their younger years. She was an amazing cook and baker, making delicious meals and treats. Some of the family favorites included lasagna, potato salad, apple betty, her hand me down chocolate cake recipe, and frosted sugar cookies for every holiday (really – she loved celebrating all holidays and kept Hallmark in business!). Gerri enjoyed spending time at the beach, and we have made many family memories on beach vacations. She always enjoyed socializing with friends and family and was known to be the life of the party and a practical joker. Other passions included playing softball for many years, golfing, tending to her flower garden, bird watching, building and decorating her doll house, and cruising the Caribbean with friends.
Surviving are her husband of 37 years, Andy, beloved daughters, Katherine (Mark) Girard and Karen (Jerry) Femano, son-in-law Tim Walter, and grandchildren Rachel (Deen) Coleman, Kelly Walter, Joe Femano, Chris Femano, Sophia Femano, and Mike Femano; and her first husband Jim Hebblethwaite.
Gerri was preceded in death by her daughter Kristin Walter, brothers Richard and Kenny Sugar, and her parents Fred (Myrtle) and Mildred Sugar.
Her family held a private celebration of Gerri’s life following her passing.
We would like to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to the many family members and friends for their love and support throughout Gerri’s illness. A special thank you to the staff at Legacy Retirement Residence of Mesa who took such good care of her during her final months.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gerri’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the National Audubon Society.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
So sorry Karen and the Femano family for the loss of your mom. Treasure the good times and wonderful memories you shared with her. Thoughts and prayers go out to you.