Geraldine Higby's Obituary
Lifelong Alameda Resident
Sept 3, 1921-May 15, 2019, Age 97 Years
Geraldine was born on September 3, 1921, in Alameda, California, the third child and only daughter to Lawrence and Ethel Aspinall. Her brothers were Herbert and Warren Aspinall. She attended Porter Elementary and Alameda High Schools, graduating with a Lifetime Membership in the Star and Key Honor Society.
She began studying piano at age 6, and continued throughout her life. In high school, she began voice training, performing in several choirs and musical productions, both as a soloist and pianist. In later years, she added the organ to her musical talents, and served as Assistant Organist at High Street Presbyterian Church. In her early adult years, she formed a singing group with three of her friends, called the Velvetones, for whom Geraldine was the accompanist. She was a member of the choir at High Street Presbyterian Church, First Congregational Church in Alameda, and the Mother’s Singers, now known as The Distaff Singers.
Geraldine attended a secretarial school, earning a degree which she turned into a lifelong career. She worked for the Oakland Unified School District, then transferred to the City of Alameda, first in the Treasurer’s Office, and later as the Departmental Secretary for the Planning Department, from which she retired in 1979.
Geraldine was a lifetime member and Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as a Deputy Grand Matron. She was also a Past Worthy High Priestess of the White Shrine of Jerusalem.
Geraldine married Russell Higby on New Year’s Day 1940 and were married until Russell’s death in 1983. Geraldine was also preceded in death by her daughter Diane Rodriguez, grandson Scott Bertelsen, granddaughter Carolyn Malone-Baker, and great-grandson Timothy Jones.
She is survived by her daughter Ellen Bertelsen, son Paul Flynn-Higby (Katy), daughter Barbara Acosta (Armand), 13 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 15 great-great grandchildren, 1 triple-great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.
Geraldine passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, on May 15, 2019, in Waxhaw, NC. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 8th, 2019 at 1:00, at the First Presbyterian Church Alameda, 2001 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda, CA followed by interment in Chapel of the Chimes, in Oakland, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, https://alz.org.
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