Geiger, Edna May Erickson (1919-2009)

GEIGER, ERICKSON, MCELROY, SNOW

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

FindAGrave Memorial # 63508339

In Memory of Edna May

Edna May Erickson Geiger, was born July 27, 1919, in Stanhope, Iowa, and passed away February 18, 2009, at the age of 89.

She moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1947 where she resided until her death. There she married Harold Glenn Geiger, December 21, 1948. They were married for over 40 years, when he passed away.

She is survived by her only child, Marsha May McElroy, and her 2 grandsons, Eric Scott Snow and Martin Sean Snow.

She graduated from the 8th grade in Iowa in 1933. Unable to go to high school during the depression, she needed to work and help at home. The family was large with a total of 11 children. There was a lot of work to do on the farm, and a lot of cooking, laundry and ironing. She often talked of ironing the shirts for the 8 men in the family. Eventually, she was able to go to Cosmetology school in Des Moines, Iowa, and was licensed to do hair in Iowa.

In late 1947, she moved to San Francisco, along with her sister Roberta, and her brother, Carl. She was initially employed at a retail store downtown until taking the test to be licensed as a Cosmetologist in California. She worked as a hair dresser for over 35 years, with a loyal following of customers who became her friends, some for 20-30 years. I always remember that she was showered with gifts at Christmas time from her customers.

After marrying Harold, they moved to a more residential area of San Francisco, by the beach and Golden Gate Park. She worked in a few different beauty shops close to home, walking to work or taking a bus, as we only had one car, like most everyone else. She loved the flowers in her yard and patio and there were always plants in the house. She also loved to sing and came from quite a family of musicians with brothers in a band. Everyone seemed to play instruments or at least the piano. Uncle Carl lived with us, and he eventually bought an organ to play. She also played at times.

She always regretted not having more education. She had wanted to become a doctor. But in her life she helped many people in another way, by being a good listener and counselor to all friends, family and neighbors who came to her. She made sure that Marsha was able to complete college.

One of her biggest joys and pleasures in life were her two grandsons. She wrote, "I'm so proud to have two little grandsons. My pride and joy to get to see them." She did more than visit them, she helped raise them by being their daycare giver when Marsha returned to work. Life would have been much different for Marsha and the boys without the unwavering love and assistance of Edna May, so that Marsha could work and support the family.

She had always wanted to move back to Iowa, that is, up until her grandsons were born. Then nothing would tear her away from her devotion to them. Since she never moved back "home" to Iowa, her biggest delight was in having family come to California to visit. It was always a big event when family came to visit. For many years, she also traveled to Iowa to visit with family.

After the boys were grown, Edna May continued to work part-time in both retail and then for Meals on Wheels. She worked until she was 83 years old. She never wanted to retire, but her mounting health issues forced her to stop. Her last years were distressing to watch as she struggled with pain, health problems, back surgery, personality changes, dementia and then finally blindness. The last 18 months were spent in the same nursing home that Harold had been in. She got to know everyone on the staff and visited with them daily. Simple pleasures were having her hair done in the one-site beauty shop and having Marsha visit to do her nails with new nail polish every week. But her biggest joy, and constant topic of conversation were the boys, her grandsons. Any phone calls from them were discussed for days and weeks afterwards, recounted in detail, over and over and over. The visits they were able to make in person were the highlights of her life. She introduced them to everyone she could find in the nursing home. It was enough to just spend time there with her, since her dementia precluded real conversation. A hug and a kiss said all that needed to be said.

She was a most loving person, epitomizing love, faith, friendship, forgiveness and patience. One could not go wrong by asking, "What would Mother (or Grandmother) do?" in any given situation. She is missed by family and friends, but fondly remembered.

My last memories include a little giggle with her in the emergency room. She was very uncomfortable, she knew the end was near and we were holding hands. But we both laughed a little when we realized that in the middle of all the drama, she had gotten the hiccups!

I also find comfort in knowing that she was surrounded by love from beyond this life. Twice, I witnessed her sitting up, reaching up with her arms, and looking up with blind eyes, towards the heavens. I'm sure she was going to join her family and friends.

She has made a last impression on our lives and will not be forgotten.

Written by Marsha May McElroy