Obituary of Geraldine Frances Dedrick

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Geraldine (Geri) Frances (Millard) Dedrick, 5 December 2022. Mom passed peacefully with a daughter by her side and her family close by. Born 2 August 1934, Bayhead NS, she was the daughter of the late William (Rita) Millard and Odessa (Langille) Millard. She leaves behind her 10 children Ronald Pitts, Nanaimo BC, Frank (Linda) Dedrick, Oromocto NB, Heather Coirini (friend Ken), Halifax, Bob (Ronda) Dedrick, Halifax, David Murphy, Halifax, Tom (Diana) Murphy, Angus Ont, Angela Murphy,Yorkton Sask, Paul (Wanda) Murphy, White Rock NS, Margaret (Barry) Myra, Halifax and Colleen Murphy, Halifax and her sisters Eunice (Larry) Bishop, Sarasota Fl, Myrna (Gary) Ward, Moncton NB, Audrey (George) MacGillivray, Bathurst NB, Judy (Vaughan) Angus, Wallace NS and Donna (Allan) Rhindress, Wallace NS. Geri had 16 grandchildren, Stephen, Melanie & Jeremy, Meadow, Tracy & Robbie, Shannon, Thomas & Amanda, Mariah & Vanessa, Barry & Heather, Ryan & Jillian, and Michael. She was also graced with 27 great-great grandchildren She was predeceased by her husband Robert A Dedrick, daughter Edna May (Ellie) Dedrick and son James (Jimmy) Dedrick.

Geri lived most of her long and fulfilling life in Halifax. An avid volunteer she raised money, through walk-a-thons, telethons and country music shows from 1973-1992 at Prince Andrew High School for TOPs 2705, the Kline Heights Day Care Centre, JA Walker Golden Age Centre and MADD Canada.  Among her many achievements was co-founding, along with Pat Johnstone and Charlotte Gordon, the first MADD Canada Chapter, east of Toronto, in Halifax in 1995 and was the President until 2002. She was instrumental in establishing the White Memorial Cross Program for our 100 series highways and helped to establish other regional chapters throughout the Maritimes. She loved decorating the MADD Halifax floats in the annual Natal Day Parades. She was a proud recipient of the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for her selfless community volunteer work and received several awards such as Canada Country Music Volunteer of the Year and MADD Canada Volunteer of the Year in 1998. She held many jobs throughout her life but most fondly remembered her time at CHFX-FM radio station. She was on the board of directors for the Canadian Country Music Academy and a lifetime member since 1984. Mom enjoyed dancing, loved country and gospel music and was proud of all her children and their accomplishments. She especially looked forward to the Millard cousins family reunions near and around her childhood home of Bayhead, sharing stories and laughter of years gone by. Mom, your life is our legacy, your love is our gift and your memory will stay in our hearts forever until we meet at Heavens gate.

Many thanks go out to the dedicated and caring professionals at the Arborstone Enhanced Care facility and Karen Davenport who visited with mom and provided her with extra care and attention.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Alzheimer Canada or MADD Halifax Chapter in her memory.

Visitation will be at the J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Rd, Halifax, Thurs 15 December 6-8pm. It is asked that masks be worn during the visitation out of respect for those who are compromised. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life and interment will be held at a later date. Messages and memorials can be directed to the family by visiting www.walkerfh.com