Geraldine Fordyce
November 23, 2023
November 23, 2023
November 23, 2023
Geraldine (Gerry) E. Fordyce
Gerry began her life in Winnipeg living in the Wikeem family home on Polson Avenue with her parents and three generations of family members. She was the first grandchild and the youngest member of the extended family. She was loved and spoiled and recalls the wonderful aromas of Lebanese cooking coming from Grandma’s kitchen. At a very young age Gerry began school and her journey in faith as she started taking herself off to the church next door for Sunday School lessons. A variety of church settings included Grandma bringing her to Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral to be baptized. Starting girl guides at The Salvation Army saw in later years Gerry leaving for Toronto to be trained and ordained as a Salvation Army officer. Her ministry included churches in Ontario, Saskatchewan and then Canyon City, an indigenous community in northern B.C. In Canyon City, Gerry and a colleague taught school, ran the dispensary, and facilitated the many church activities. For Gerry, this time provided a rich experience and lifelong story telling. Eager to pursue her education Gerry enrolled first at Prairie Bible Institute and participated in mission trips to California. This was followed by studies at the University of Calgary where she attained a Bachelor in Social Work with distinction.
She had close family time in Alberta with mom Betty and stepfather Harold on their farm and her young brother Bob moving into her Calgary apt at a time in Bob’s life when sisterly influence was life changing. After eight years working for the City of Calgary Gerry and her friend Doreen traveled for a year around the world spending time at mission stations and countries of interest. Upon return she left Alberta to study at UBC culminating in a Master of Social Work degree. Her move to Vancouver B.C. opened many doors in her ministry career and to lifelong relationships. On the career side Pastor Bernice Gerrard hired Gerry as a chaplain at UBC and Simon Fraser Universities. Her roles at the Fraserview Assembly Church included setting up a weekly Bible School, counselling services, children’s daycare centre and a teaching and preaching ministry with invitations to conduct retreats in the USA and Canada. Along the way her friendship with Jack Taylor was a deep companionship until Jack’s passing. Years later from Gerry’s youth The Salvation Army was re-introduced in meeting up with a new friend of now forty years Christine MacMillan. Gerry visited Chris in her places of ministry including the UK, Australia, and NYC. Gerry was then hired to commence and direct The Salvation Army Kate Booth House for battered women and children. A very key support and close relationship in Gerry’s life was with her cousin Sister Susan Wikeem where Gerry stayed in her home for the many Winnipeg visits to her family. In later years Susan spent Christmas with Gerry in Vancouver. Her brother Bob’s untimely death in his mid thirties in the sinking of the oil rig off the coast of Newfoundland, on Valentine’s Day was an unexpected sorrow. His young 12-year-old son Troy at the time had Gerry pour into her nephew’s life a love that in his adulthood has his Auntie Gerry as an unforgettable support. Gerry’s retirement in 1999 from official roles had her generosity of time well spent, whether sharing a coffee with her friends at McDonalds, offering prayerful support on the many phone calls and sharing joy with family and friends while supporting numerous charitable needs reaching out into the sufferings of our world. We hear her in the last few months of declining health say over and over again: “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 8: 38 – 39.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
I miss her so much but I know she is with Jesus. She was a good listener and always helped me to be possitive.
Having coffee at Mcdonalds is not the same without her. She will be in my heart forever.
We met Gerry at the Salvation Army Church in Richmond and were immediately inspired by her faith and friendship. She knew her Bible so well and spoke so eloquently on many occasions for the benefit of us all. She was a Dear friend and we enjoyed her company. We will miss her but know she is happy to be with the Lord.
Sincerely Dale & Nancy Peterson
~ Dale & Nancy Peterson
Gerry was a Soldier at the Salvation Army Corps, Steadfast and strong in her faith with the Lord, no one could ask for more.
She led us in prayer and we listened....a voice direct from God, we knew one day she'd meet the lord where angels once had trod.
All things bright and beautiful, behind the sunset hue, "Gerry, promoted to Glory" where God will take care of you.
Rest in Peace
your friend, Grace Hoff
So very grateful that I got to know Gerry in the last three years of her life through our dear friend, Christine MacMillan. In our phone conversations, Gerry was always so upbeat and positive, declaring the goodness of the Lord, and her love for Him! Gerry loved to sing the praises of the Lord Jesus, and the last video call with Gerry and Christine, my wife Gloria and a dear friend from overseas just a month before Gerry passed, was that of singing the praises of Jesus...with Gerry joining in! It was a really special together. Now, because Jesus is alive, Gerry's "mortality has been swallowed up by life." (2 Corinthians 5:4) YES, Heaven is a real place!
~ Paul Willoughby
We first met Gerry on her visit to see her friend Christine in Australia in 2000. Her openness and welcome encouraged many reconnections when we lived in Canada and on many subsequent visits to her home in Vancouver and on her visits to Toronto. Gerry’s faith in Jesus flowed from within her outwards influencing her relationships with love, encouragement and deep wisdom. We loved her insight and encouragement to notice God at work - to trust his care and partner with God’s spirit of generosity . We loved how Gerry helped us feel at home, loved and included. Her mind was amazing - she was still a master scrabble player to the very end and a student of the Bible. We were so grateful for her prayer support for our ministry and for our family particularly when life and health challenges were concerns for our family. We loved Gerry and will miss her greatly. Howard and Robyn Smartt
~ Robyn and Howard Smartt
I was blessed to have been introduced to Gerry through my sister in law, Christine MacMillan over 20 years ago. I have never met a more humble, kind and generous person in my life. Gerry’s love for Jesus was so evident in everyone she came in contact with. I fondly remember her hosting my wife Sandi and l , along with another couple for two days during the 2010 Olympics. Gerry gave up her bed and was a gracious host. A beautiful woman with such a giving Spirit.
Rest In Peace!
George Stavro
~ George Stavro
Our precious Gerry dwelt in the secret hiding place of the most high. Her dwelling place was known by all who had the honour of knowing her. Gerry was a child of the King. She walked by Christ’s side and demonstrated The Fruits of the Spirit in her daily walk whoever she came into contact with. I will dearly miss you , my friend.
~ Sandi MacMillan
It was a great privilege for us to count Gerry as a friend. We met her in Vancouver through her friendship with Chris, and had the privilege, in those days in particular, to sit under Gerry's ministry on occasion. She always spoke with the grace that was the hallmark of her life, and inspired those who sat under her ministry to pursue Christ-likeness in their own lives.
~ Gwenyth & Robert Redhead
Gerry was a kind and gentle woman of great inner strength. She always listened carefully to whoever was speaking, and gave careful consideration to thoughts and ideas. Her faith was a light for others, and her faithful ministry was an inspiration. She was much loved by all who knew her. I am thankful to have had the chance to know her.
~ Joanne Redhead
I was blessed to get to know Gerry over the past two years. Even though it was for a short time, her ministry stories and insights into life as a follower of Jesus were wonderfully inspiring and a comfort to me. She will be missed by many but remembered by them always!
Our beloved aunt, Gerry. She was an amazing lady who touched the lives of all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Gerry held a very special place in our hearts, and her absence will be deeply felt.
Aunt Gerry was a remarkable woman who lived her life with grace, kindness, and generosity. She had a warm and infectious smile that could brighten any room. Her gentle nature and caring spirit made her a source of comfort and support for those around her. Gerry was always there to lend a listening ear or offer words of wisdom.
One of Gerry's greatest passions was the love for god, She cherished every moment spent with helping others, she never forgot a birthday or Christmas.
Gerry had a zest for life and was always up for new adventures. She enjoyed the love for god and helping others, immersing herself in the beauty of the world. Gerry had a curious mind and a thirst for knowledge, always seeking to learn and
Gerry's absence leaves a void in our lives that can never be filled. We will miss her dearly, but we find solace in knowing that she is at peace. Her legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will continue to inspire us all.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory live on in our hearts forever.
Love you always Auntie, till we meet again❤️ Marnie
~ Marnie Madden
“Auntie Gerry” was a dear, dear friend and source of godly wisdom for us and our family for over forty years. We have been helped and enriched deeply for knowing her. We miss her but so look forward to re-uniting with her in heaven.
Daniel & Sandra