GERRE A. GRIGGS (nee Copp), aged 62 years, beloved wife of (Ret.) U.S. Navy Cdr. Michael S. (deceased), dearest mother of Jennifer Mericle (husband Josh), loving grandmother of Colton Ryan Mericle, devoted daughter of Carl and Alice (nee Turner) Copp, cherished sister of Linda Sheffield (husband Allen), Thomas Copp (wife Sheila) and Charles Copp (wife Yvette), treasured daughter-in-law to Edna and the late John Griggs, caring sister-in-law to Gerald, Ann and the late Ralph Griggs, fond aunt and great-aunt.
Gerre’s family has many fond memories of her life. Her Dad remembers her as being very positive. She was a loving and respectful daughter. Gerre’s birth at St. Albans Hospital in Long Island, New York on December 15, 1953 was announced in a telegram from her Mom to her Dad in Japan (he was serving in the Marines). Early family memories of Gerre involve her swinging at the park in Fleetwood and taking over the new riding lawnmower in Chappaqua, NY – she always was in charge of cutting the grass.
At Simsbury High School in Connecticut she read her graduation speech in front of the whole graduation class of over 400 students. Another memory is of Gerre when she first got her driver’s license, driving away from the gas station with the fuel hose still in the gas tank – ripped out the hose from the pump – gas going everywhere. The first car she bought was a 1972 Yellow Fiat.
After high school Gerre attended Fashion Design School at Tobe Coburn in New York City. She left home, going to Miami Florida for her first job after graduation as a buyer at Burdines. Gerre went on wonderful vacations to Belize, Hawaii and the Caribbean.
Gerre met her husband Michael while he was an Aircraft Pilot in the Navy. They had a beautiful military wedding in Jacksonville, Florida. They moved to the cold – Cleveland, (Gates Mills) – no one ever thought she would leave the warm weather of Florida.
There are also wonderful childhood and adult memories of summers in Cape Cod, Massachusetts at the beach, bonfires and diving for clams. Gerre’s best friends in High School were Tracy Knust and Susie Booth! She was a great fisherman.
The memories of the birth of her daughter Jennifer – the light of her life – getting to see her graduate from Miami of Ohio University, participating in her wedding and getting to spend time with her grandson Colton this
In keeping with Gerre’s love for animals, contributions are suggested to any A.S.P.C.A. Please meet at 11 AM Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery (Seville, OH) for Committal Services starting promptly at 11:15 AM. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Gerre at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) SATURDAY AFTERNOON OCT. 1, FROM 2-4 PM.
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Thomas Copp
We will miss our sister greatly. Gerre always had a big heart. time to talk and loved Her family and friends. No good way to say good bye Gerre we will miss you a lot.
Love,
Tom and Sheila
Laura Marino
Dear Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and you are all in my prayers. I think it was 6 years ago when I last saw Gerre at the Cape. Whenever I did see her, we always had such a wonderful conversation about our faith and I know hers was very strong. I hope that you all can all find comfort in knowing she is with God and Michael and family and friends, at peace, in a much better place.
Thinking of you all with love,
Laura Marino DeLena
Kathy Marino
Dear All,
I was so saddened to hear the news about Gerre. I will always remember the childhood summers with her at the Cape…searching the sand for air bubbles (clams) and screaming with gleeful terror at the much-anticipated annual Indian ghost stories.
I remember Gerre as she was then…lean and tanned, with gorgeous sun-kissed blonde hair. She was a capable, strong, funny older sister for me.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time-
Love,
Kathy Marino Lukaske
Rob and Cathy Marino
Cathy and I want to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends.
Of course, we have always considered the Copp family as part of our family, and today we are deeply saddened and share the grief.
I regret not having spent more time to know Gerre later in life, but I also have a fond childhood memory of Cape Cod vacations which she was part of. I remember Gerre and my sister Kathy taking off to go somewhere (she was old enough to actually DRIVE!), and how full of energy she always was. For some reason I remember Lou Reed playing on a tape deck while us kids were hanging around in the Dunbar cottage; she knew what music was cool.
She seemed like someone who knew what she wanted, and had the motivation to pursue it. I imagine fashion school and working in that industry suited her very well, given the flair she had.
How wonderful that later, she had her own family, with all that happiness, and was able to spend time with her grandson.
Luckily, the family has many wonderful memories of her, and can keep in mind that her joy was very much thanks to the love and support she had from Carl and Ann, and the rest of the family.
Gerre will be in our prayers, as she now rests in peace.
Charlie Copp
Gerre was a great big sister. When we were young she always watched out for us. She had a big heart and was always there to help others. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. We admired her courage and determination through even the most difficult of times. She may be gone but she will remain in our hearts forever .
Love,
Charlie and Yvette
Evans family
Your family are in our hearts, our condolences on the passing of your love one. May your family find comfort in the hearer of prayer.
Lisa Fowler
Dear Jennifer and family,
I have many fond memories of working with Gerre at May Company. She was such a fun loving and caring person! My husband Jeff and I especially enjoyed our times with Gerre and Mike going out to dinner and trying different foods and restaurants.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
john&rosie lynch
Sorry to hear the passing of your mother now she can be with your dad it will be hard but you will learn to deal with it one day at a time
Alithia Holivay
Dear Jennifer and Family of Gerre my Heart is saddened to hear of Gerres passing, however so happy to know that Gerre got to see Jennifer get married and have a grandson that is breath taking …Gerre and I use to go for plenty of rides to Giant Eagle and Pet store and she would insist that I drive her debt free Lexus as she would say.I had the best times with her and she pushed me to go back to college…I will always remember Gerre thank you for sharing her with me…Beverly
Kerry Marino
I feel so much sadness in my heart for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayer at this very sad time. She was taken way too young. I pray that you all can feel God’s comfort and love as you go forward.
Love Kerry
Michael Squires
I was a friend of Gerre’s in highschool. I always respected Gerre for her independence and intelligence. I have many fond memories of concerts and swimming with her and our friends at the local spots. It is very sad that she was taken from us, especially her family, at such an early age.
Mike Squires,
Simsbury, Class of 71