John H. Schmertmann
A little bridge story about Gerri Gessner:
My wife, Pauline (deceased), and Gerri Gessner were members of the same women's bridge group for about 55 years. We had many New Year's parties for the group and therefore with Gerri and Ira as guests. They always stayed for the after-midnight fireworks, a grab-bag something for everyone, and a group-made cake, and were usually the last to leave.
Gerry, a Ridgewood nearby neighbor, often gave Pauline a ride home from their evening, bi-weekly, mostly talking, bridge group meetings. Afterwards I usually found them parked in our driveway -- still girl talking!
As the group aged and night driving became more difficult, the group morphed into a bi-weekly, no-bridge, lunch meeting in a restaurant. As the group dwindled the available husbands got invited and began to do the driving. Gerri, now driven by Ira, was one of the last 3 active members in 2019.
Pauline considered Gerri one of her best and most loyal friends. Gerri had many friends and I and many others will miss her special, vibrant personality.
John H. Schmertmann