Geraldine "Gerry" O'Grady, 89, of Farmington Hills passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 23, 2024. She was born May 3, 1934, to Matt and Mary (nee Gunn) O'Grady. Gerry is survived by her stepson Sean (Tricia)Pershing and 2 grandsons Anthony and Steven Pershing. She is also survived by many cherished friends who took such great care of her during her illness and loved her like family. Gerry was predeceased by her beloved husband Ralph Pershing (2013), and loving parents Matt and Mary O'Grady.

Gerry grew up in Detroit, attending St. Theresa of Avila for grade school through high school. She was active and enjoyed tennis, ice skating, and downhill skiing most of her adult life. She also loved to swim and continued to swim at the YMCA until a pandemic stopped her four years ago. She loved to travel and has been all around the world. Never meeting a stranger and making friends along the way.

Gerry married Ralph Perishing in 1978 who was widowed with two children, Lisa and Sean. They enjoyed attending sporting events together for all local teams. They lived in Bloomfield Hills and then when they retired moved to Farmington Hills where Gerry remained until death.

Gerry has a B.S. in Education from the University of Detroit. As a student, Gerry was in the chorus, Psychology Club, Gamma Phi Sigma sorority, Pan-Hellenic Council and served as President for the latter two organizations. Gerry also has her master's from the University of Michigan and has taken several additional classes at various universities in Michigan as well as the University of Mexico.

She taught at the Detroit Public Schools all grades one through six; she also served in positions as Reading Coordinator, Practical Life Skills Specialist (developing a program for the elementary and middle schools) and Home-School Specialist.

Over the years she has been active in many professional organizations. When called by her alma mater for help, Gerry took a leave of absence from the Detroit Public Schools and came back as an instructor: She taught at the University of Detroit for one year teaching Methods of Language Arts and Social Studies for juniors and supervised student teachers in their senior year. This enabled another faculty member to take time off to complete their doctorial work. Gerry also served as second vice president on University of Detroit Alumni Council.

After retirement Gerry served on The League of Women Voters - Oakland Chapter; She also worked on local election polls. Gerry served on the Farmington/Farmington Hills Commission on Aging and the Consumer Protection Committee. She held various offices including president in professional, social and alumni associations of the Metropolitan Detroit Reading Council and Catholic Alumni Club of Detroit. Gerry was also a Presenter of the B.A.B.E.S. (Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies) program given in all the schools in the Farmington/Farmington Hills Area. This helped her continue her love of teaching and working with young children!

Gerry's faith was her strength. She was active in Church of the Holy Family as a lector and active committee member. She also participates in the Accent on Women, Book Discussion Club and was a leader in the Alpha program.

Gerry was inducted into the University of Detroit Mercy's College of Liberal Arts & Education Hall of Honor in 2011. An honor for which she was very proud. The Hall of Honor recognizes distinguished graduates who have excelled in their chosen professions, demonstrated outstanding leadership in their work, and devoted themselves in service to the larger community. Award recipients reflect the University's mission of excellence and service and bring pride to their alma mater.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to:
1. Matt F. & Mary L. O'Grady Endowed Scholarship
c/o University Advancement
University of Detroit Mercy
4001 W. McNichols Road
Detroit, MI 48221
(Gerry set up this scholarship at her alma mater)

2. Church of the Holy Family at https://www.holyfamilynovi.org/online-giving-test

3. A Charity of your choice.

Let's end with a quote from Gerry herself. "I truly feel my life decisions have been directed by our Lord. I continue today to ask the Holy Spirit to guide me and let me use what talents (energy, too, as I age) I have for the benefit of others. As a banner I had in my classroom said: Make the World a Better Place Because You are in It!"

Visitation at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, 248-348-1800 on Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a scripture service and sharing of memories at 4:00 PM. Instate Monday, February 26, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 24505 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, from 10:00 AM until time of the funeral liturgy 10:30 AM. A livestream of the service can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/@HolyFamilyNoviYouTube/streams
Interment will take place privately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.