Geraldine "Gerry" Wilson

Geraldine (Gerry) Wilson, 97, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away March 11, 2026, at Scottsdale North Assisted Living. Born August 3, 1928, in New York City, the daughter of Lawrence Wirnshofer and Anastasia Chapman Wirnshofer. Geraldine grew up in Queens, NY with her sister Elizabeth (Betty), and was a graduate of Julia Richmond High School, New York City, 1946. 

Gerry married Ross John Wilson (deceased 2011) on July 1, 1950, and raised three children in Waldwick, Ho-Ho-Kus, and Ridgewood, New Jersey. Raising her children as a "stay at home" mom, Gerry was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, a Cub Scout leader, Room Mother many times, and a member of the PTA. Gerry was a member of St. Lukes's Church, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Ridgewood, NJ; and a social participant at Ross's church, The Community Church of Ho-Ho-Kus. Upon Ross's retirement, they resided in New York City and Hilton Head Island, SC. Gerry moved to Scottsdale, AZ in 2017. 

In the 1970's Gerry attended The New York School of Interior Design and upon completing her studies opened a business, Cameron House Interiors, with another student and friend. In the 1980's Gerry enrolled in The Isabel O'Neil Studio Workshop, studying glazing; distressing; faux marble; lacquer techniques: eggshell inlay, Negoro Nuri, and faux ivory; Italian finishes; gold techniques; faux minerals: Chinese and Florentine lapis lazuli, yellow poppy jasper, black tigerite, and golden tigerite; faux tortoise; faux bois, the rendering of knots, grain and rings of wood; marquetry and parquetry; malachite; chinoiserie; fantasy bamboo; straw marquetry; porphyry; and trompe l'oeil. Upon completion of her studies, Gerry received her Journeyman Certificate in 1986. 

Gerry and Ross fully retired to Hilton Head Island, SC in 1991, where Gerry continued her pursuits in art, taking painting classes at the Art League of Hilton Head Academy, and expanding her interests to quilting and Nantucket Basket weaving. Traveling the globe Gerry visited England, Italy, China, Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Macho Picchu, Costa Rica, Spain and Northern Africa. 

Gerry was an avid reader, movie enthusiast, crafter, traveler and artist. There was not a book she would not read, as she was a big fan of murder mysteries, history, historical novels, and of course any book relating to any art form. Crafting was Gerry's mantra and she tackled most throughout her life: sewing, knitting, needlepoint, embroidery, decoupage, paper tole, Nantucket Basket weaving, quilting, and painting in watercolor and acrylics. Gerry leaves behind an abundance of art she created for her family to enjoy and remember her talents. 

Geraldine is survived by her three children: Leslie Degenaars (Thomas); Keith Wilson (Beverly Camalier); Craig Wilson (Susan); grandchildren: Courtney Wilson, Kendall Wilson Lamourine (Joel), Kiersten Wilson, Bradley Degenaars, Lauren Degenaars, Kaitlyn Wilson, Corinne Wilson; great grandchildren; Lucas Parra, Isaac Lamourine, William (Wilson) Morton; nieces: Judith Blatt, Diane Blatt, Roseann Cavalli (Steve); great niece and nephew, Emma and Jake Cavalli. 

Funeral services and viewing will be held at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC on Thursday, March 26, 11 AM. Burial ceremony to follow at Beaufort National Cemetery, 2 PM.