Geraldine G. Wolf

Geraldine G. Wolf, 82, of Portland, passed away peacefully at The Cedars on Wednesday, August 16 after a long illness. Gerri, as she was known to her friends, was born on November 14, 1934 in Winthrop, Massachusetts to Irene and Samuel Cohen. Her mother died when she was a young child, and she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Selma and Sidney Greenberg, who adopted Gerri and raised her as their own. She grew up in Revere and attended Fisher Junior College in Boston. In the 1970's, she became a certified gemologist, and owned and operated an antique and estate jewelry business, Gem Antiques, in Kennebunkport, Maine. She then worked for many years for Nelson Rarities in Portland. In 1990, she opened Geraldine Wolf Estate and Antique Jewelry on Milk St. in Portland, which she operated until her retirement. Gerri took great pleasure in finding exactly the right beautiful piece of jewelry or special gift for her many loyal customers. She had special expertise in Victorian jewelry. She was a past Treasurer of the Maine Antique Dealers Association. She was also past President and Trustee of the Linda Tallen and David Paul Kane Cancer Educational and Research Foundation, which supported many health care institutions in Maine. Gerri independently devoted her own philanthropic efforts to several organizations and people in need. Her two greatest loves were her work and her family. She traveled within Maine, and to New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Arizona, Washington State, and even to France to watch her grandchildren's events and activities. She enjoyed sightseeing and went to Ireland, Prague, Canada and Alaska before her final illness. She was an avid Red Sox fan, and spent hours with her companion, Richard Anderson, watching games on television or at Fenway Park, where she has an honorary brick in her name. Gerri built her dream home directly on the water in the eclectic neighborhood known as "Portland Foreside," where each day she reveled in the enchantment of Casco Bay, watching boats, birds and sunrises. Gerri had a keen sense of fashion and style, but it was her kindness, loving spirit and generosity that set her apart. She touched people's lives and she will be sorely missed. Gerri was predeceased by her brother, Stephen. She leaves behind her three sons, Alan E. Wolf of Falmouth, James M. Wolf and his wife, Debra Wolf of Falmouth, Scott D. Wolf and his wife Jodi Wolf of Weston, Massachusetts, grandchildren Chloe, Nathaniel, Madison, Jordan, Skylar, Ethan and Samantha, daughter-in-law Karen Frink Wolf, and brother Edward Greenberg and his wife Bernice Greenberg. She also leaves her long-time companion, Richard Anderson of Portland, who introduced Gerri to fishing, hiking, and many outdoor activities, and who visited her every day at The Cedars for the past two and a half years. Gerri's family would like to especially thank every one of the dedicated staff of The Cedars for their love, compassion, and care during Gerri's final years. They became truly like family. A service will be held at Congregation Bet Ha'am, 81 Westbrook St., South Portland on Friday, August 18 at 3 p.m. to celebrate Gerri's life, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cedars, 630 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Maine, 04103, The Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, Maine, 04074, or to a charity of one's choosing.

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