Obituary of Gerald "Jerry" Webster

Jerry passed away in his home on December 19, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Kathryn, and six of his seven brothers and sisters. Jerry is survived by his loving wife Eleanore “Nora” Webster, his beloved children from his previous marriage to Rosetta Josephine “Josie”: Joseph (and wife Laura), Courtney (and husband Jeff), Richard (and wife Cathy), and Deborah (and husband Charles), his sister Helene, eight wonderful grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, where he attended Roman Catholic High School and St. Joseph’s College. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and worked primarily in the defense electronics industry. Jerry and Nora moved to California in 1983, drawn by the beautiful climate and peaceful lifestyle of wine country living.

 
Jerry was an active member and 4^th Degree in the Knights of Columbus, serving in several capacities, including District Deputy, Grand Knight, Treasurer and Warden. He was very active in St. Peter’s Church, serving as Extraordinary Minister, Alter Server, Lector, Sacristan, Chair of the BBQ Committee, and Choir Member. He was also very active in the local community and gave generously to a number of charities. Jerry was a founding force behind the establishment of a homeless shelter in Cloverdale and he served on its Board of Directors for ten years. In more recent years, he served as a Board Member of EAH Housing, based in San Rafael and doing good work throughout Sonoma County.

To his family and friends, Jerry was known for his great big bear hugs, ready laugh, loud voice, wonderful singing, corny jokes, passionate opinions, loving engagement, and open acceptance of all life styles.

Jerry and Nora were part of two religious communities in their quest to understand what God had in mind for them. As a result, memorial services will be held at both Bishop’s Ranch on Westside Road in Healdsburg (Sunday, January 6, 2019 at 2:00 PM) and at St. Peter Church in Cloverdale (Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 11:00 AM). Jerry’s ashes will be interred on the beautiful and peaceful hillside memorial plot at Bishop’s Ranch. Friends and relatives are invited to attend either or both services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).