Geraldine Ruth Heisey was born and raised in a small Pennsylvania town near Annville, PA. Although she was shy, she traveled to New York City after high school graduation to attend Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing. Her friends began to call her “Jerry”. While there, she met the love of her life, Ken McConaghie, who had recently gotten out of the Navy. They were married in Dec. 1951, and Jerry started 40 years of delivering babies. They had three children; Kenneth, Jr., Cindy, and Susan. Jerry and Ken moved to Roanoke, VA in 1962, so Ken could start the new Occupational Therapy Dept. at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Jerry is predeceased by her parents John Sterling Heisey and Estella Mae Schaffner Heisey; husband Ken Sr.; son Ken Jr.; daughter-in-law Sandy Fowler McConaghie; sisters Mildred Campbell, Marion Beavers and Elsie Long; and special friend Sam Parker.
She is survived by her brother Edward Heisey; daughters Cindy Keller and Susan Stuppiello; and sons-in-law Rick Keller and Jim Dailey. She has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
After retirement, Jerry spent much time hiking with friend Frances Newcomb, water aerobics at the Gator Pool and Green Ridge, bowling at Hilltop Lanes and All Star Lanes. She traveled with Sunshine Tours to Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Alaska, England, Scotland, Canada and Bahamas.
Our mom was always active and going and doing exciting things. She will be missed by many, She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Greater Roanoke Area USBC 