Geraldine A. McNinch

Geraldine Alice “Gerry” McNinch passed away peacefully holding her daughter’s hand on July 17, 2025, at the age of 103 in Clarkston, Michigan. Known for her vibrant spirit, deep love for family, and adventurous heart, Gerry lived a life marked by curiosity, resilience, and dedication.

Born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Clifton and Frances Townsend, Gerry was the eldest of nine children. Her father’s job with Northern Alberta Railways (NAR) led the family across Alberta before settling in Berwyn during the “sodbuster” era. As a child, Gerry took on many responsibilities—caring for siblings, driving a horse and buggy to school, and later working at the local hospital.

She studied to work for the railroad and became the first and only woman night telegraph operator for NAR at the time. After moving to Edmonton, she met her first husband, Lorne Dyer, a medical student. The couple eventually settled in Northville, Michigan, after adopting their daughter Carol, and later their son John. Gerry proudly designed and managed the construction of Lorne’s medical office—an achievement she treasured. Gerry’s children Carol and John have been the pride and joy of her life. She always said their arrival changed her life for the better.

After her marriage to Lorne ended, Gerry became a successful real estate agent, working with Thompson Brown and Century 21 in Northville, where she was a top producer. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1974—an accomplishment she held dear.

In 1966, Gerry married her second husband, Kenneth Dodds, and welcomed his two daughters, Karen (deceased) and Kelcey, into her life. The family was active in the Northville community, enjoying camping, church life, and travel. Gerry lovingly cared for Ken after he became disabled, remaining by his side until his passing in 1989.

Later, she began traveling with Elderhostel and met the love of her life, Cyrus “Cy” McNinch, on a birdwatching trip in Costa Rica. They married in 1994 and shared 29 joyful years together, living in Michigan, Virginia Beach, and spent many winters together in Arizona. Gerry learned the art of silversmithing while Cy learned lapidary skills and cut stones for her jewelry. Together, they explored the world continuing to travel with Elderhostel, visiting China, Australia, and New Zeeland. They participated in a whale and dolphin research trip in Monterey Bay, sailed the Northwest Passage on a Schooner, traveled to Alaska, and also went on a safari in Africa, one of Gerry’s life dreams.

Gerry was predeceased by her husband Cy McNinch, her parents, and siblings Herbert Townsend, Iola Wardle, Selena (Thelma) MacLaren, Betty Praud, and Marlene Hagerman. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Carol Small (Barbara Anderson), son John Dyer, brother William (Edwina) Townsend, sisters Shirley Ross and Barbara Harris.

She is also fondly remembered by Cy’s children Dale (Martha) McNinch, Shirley (Bob) Cunningham, and Thomas (Sandi) McNinch; stepdaughter Kelcey Dodds Seefeldt; step-son-in-law Paul (Danica) Seefeldt. 12 grandchildren; Dianne (Scott) Bowman, Michael (Katie) McNinch, Marianne (Dan) Janson, Christine (Tim) Cocrane, Whitney (Rick) Kelso, Lea McNinch, Lakeland Seefeldt, Drew Seefeldt, Sarah Seefeldt, 12 great-grandchildren, Lauren (Forest) Rulison, Megan (Sam) Terpstra, Ashley Bowman, Michael McNinch Jr., William Banks McNinch, Patrick Janson, George Janson, Wesley Janson, James Janson, Cora Janson, Annie Cocrane, and Ellie Cocrane, all of whom will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

The family is truly grateful to Emmanuel Hospice and Provision Living in Grand Rapids, Hospice of Michigan and Monark Grove in Clarkston for their compassionate care.

A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Grand Rapids on Saturday, August 2nd at 11:00am, with burial at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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