Geraldine "Gerri" Israelson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Gerri after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's. She was born in Toronto, Canada on March 17, 1937 to Harry and Anne Klyman. Gerri married Nate on Feb 7, 1956 in Toronto. They moved to Palm Springs, Calif. 30 years ago after vacationing there for many years. Gerri worked with the Riverside County Office of Education Special Needs Children for 17 years as a school site secretary/administrator, a job that she always said she would have paid them to have. She and Nate were founding civilians of the Palm Springs Police Citizens on Patrol. For over a decade she was involved with Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar, Calif., where she and Nate have sponsored five puppies and so far two have graduated and have been partnered as guide dogs. Gerri will be remembered amongst many other things for her ear to ear smiles, optimism and her great love of shoes. She is survived by her devoted husband Nate, loving children and grandchildren and her beloved dogs, Herbie and Hiatt, who were at her side during illness and when she passed. Services will be held at the Ramon Chapel, Forest Lawn Mortuary, 69855 East Ramon Road, Cathedral City, Calif. on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 11 a.m., with interment to follow at Desert Memorial Park, Cathedral City. A reception will be held immediately after the interment in the Ramon Room at Forest Lawn. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gerri's favorite cause, Guide Dogs of America, 13345 Glenoaks Boulevard, Sylmar, CA 91342, (818) 833-6427 in Gerri's memory. Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries.