Geraldine Carbery, a 27-year elected trustee of the Fort McMurray Catholic School District, 42-year Girl Guide volunteer and lifelong church and community volunteer passed away on August 6, 2016 at the age of 73.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jim, who also served as a board trustee and as a member of council, and by her sons Sean (Jill), Fergus (Kelly), daughter Sarita (Ed), treasured grandchildren Shane (Mel), Aaron, Sarah, grandson Chase, granddaughter Lily, and step-grandchildren Conner, Luke, Morgan and Logan.
After arriving in Canada in 1963 from Lurgan in Northern Ireland Geraldine and Jim married and lived in Fort Chipewyan. They moved to Fort McMurray in 1976 and since then Geraldine has devoted her time and energy to her family and to the community. Carbery was elected to the Catholic School Board in 1989 and has not missed a term since.
In her profile on the Fort McMurray Catholic School District Website she wrote that, “Over the years I have belonged to many organizations in Fort McMurray.”
She spent time working with Can Share, visiting palliative care patients in their homes and with the Girl Guides of Canada/Guides du Canada with which she was a leader for 42 years. Carbery served as a captain for the Kidney Foundation, volunteered with the Minor Hockey Association and filled various positions in P. T. A.s at Father Turcotte, Father Beauregard, St. Gabriel and Father Patrick Mercredi Schools. She also volunteered with the Irish Dancing Society and with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where she was a facilitator, reader and communion minister.
“As a School Trustee I truly enjoy being invited in our Catholic schools to attend various liturgies and concerts. Reading to students on literacy days, sharing information about Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, and having students taste Christmas pudding is always special and great way to connect with our wonderful children,” she wrote in her profile. “When I am not playing Scrabble with Jim, I love attending Keyano Theatre and cheering on my grandchildren playing soccer, school sports, ballet, school choir, Irish Dancing and band recitals.”
Her daughter Sarita Reid said Geraldine was a devoted mother who never missed a hockey or soccer game, a performance of any kind or a family gathering.
“It was family first for her. She always made sure we were together and happy,” said Reid.
Because of her mother’s influence and role in the school community the family is waiting until closer to the start of the school year to hold a celebration of life. An announcement will be made when a date has been set.
In a release issued Monday evening from the Catholic School Board, Chair Tracy McKinnon said Carbery had a relentless commitment to education.
“Geraldine was an esteemed and passionate advocate for education within both the Fort McMurray Catholic Board of Education and Alberta while ensuring that our children’s best interest was in the forefront of all discussions. May the Good Lord provide boundless comfort to the Carbery family and friends, our Fort McMurray Catholic Schools family and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo as we struggle to cope with this tragic loss. Please keep all in your prayers during this difficult time,” McKinnon said.
Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Superintendent George McGuigan said in the release he remembers her incredible personality and dedication to education.
“We are so appreciative of her love, support, and guidance for over a quarter of a century. 9 terms and over 27 years with the Fort McMurray Catholic School Board is such a commitment. Her quick wit and genuine smile will be greatly missed. She loved Catholic education and having the opportunity to be a part of her children and now grandchildren, being part of the Fort McMurray Catholic Schools family,” said McGuigan.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to the Cross Cancer Institute.
