Geraldine Reynolds Greenlese, known lovingly to family and friends as Gerry, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 24, 2026, in West Jordan, Utah, at the age of 94. Born on September 17, 1931, in Peekskill, New York, she lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to her family, faith, work, and many interests that brought joy to those around her. She was a woman whose courage, kindness, and loving spirit touched generations. Gerry was the daughter of Roy R. Reynolds and Beulah Hughson Reynolds. Born in the depths of the Great Depression into a family that was struggling financially. She often said that the first word she learned how to spell was M-O-N-E-Y. She remembered having only coffee and her mother’s homemade bread to eat in her early years. She recalled one Christmas when the only gift she received was her old doll wearing a new dress that her mother had sewn. She grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and worked as a mother’s helper beginning at the age of 13. She was a graduate of Shrub Oak High School, class of 1948 when she was 16 years old.
She had concentrated on business courses that would serve her well throughout her life. In her school years, she was active and engaged, singing in the glee club, and serving as class treasurer. Even then, she showed the energy, leadership, and warm personality that would define her in the years ahead. Inspired by her athletic older brothers Douglas and Loyal (Buddy) Reynolds she played field hockey and was a cheerleader. She also loved to ice skate and would jump over rows of barrels! Gerry married Edward F. Greenlese, and together they built a family rooted in love and enduring commitment. She was widowed by Edward’s passing, yet she continued to honor the life they shared by caring deeply for the family they created together.
She was the mother of Linda Greenlese Mekeel (Franklyn) and twin sons Edward Jr. and Kevin Greenlese. Her family was the center of her life, and she took great pride in each generation that followed. She is survived by 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, including three sets of twins, all of whom brought her great happiness and gave her many reasons to smile.
Gerry devoted many years of service to others through her work and community involvement. She supported her family working as a secretary and bookkeeper. Her secretarial jobs were in Peekskill insurance offices. Later she did accounts payable and payroll bookkeeping, mostly at the Ednalite Corporation in Peekskill, Her head for numbers was legendary as she often did math in her head rather than use a calculator that she felt was too slow. Years after she stopped doing secretarial work she would still occasionally use the Gregg shorthand she learned as a teenager.
She and her family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1970. The church became a big part of her life and she faithfully attended church and temple worship as well as volunteer service. She volunteered and served as director of the Church operated Yorktown Family History Center, where her careful attention, reliability, and dedication were deeply valued. Her work reflected not only her practical skills, but also her sincere interest in helping others discover and preserve their family histories. She was an active member of the Westchester Genealogical Society, serving as treasurer at one point. Genealogy became one of her lasting passions, and she approached it with patience, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for the stories that connect generations.
Outside of her professional and volunteer responsibilities, Gerry enjoyed a wide range of interests that enriched her life. As an adult, she became an excellent bowler and enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition that came with the game. She also loved birds, crossword puzzles, and solving cryptoquotes, pastimes that reflected both her thoughtful nature and her enjoyment of quiet, meaningful moments. These interests brought her happiness and provided comfort and challenge throughout her life.
Those who knew Gerry will remember her as courageous, loving, and kind. She faced life with grace and strength in spite of significant hardships she encountered. She generously offered encouragement and support to those around her. Her presence was steady and reassuring, and her warmth made others feel welcome and cared for. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, service to others, and a life well lived. Her memory will be cherished always by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
