Geraldine M. Lucarelli Westerlind of Monmouth Beach, NJ born in Jersey City passed away February 3rd. Former Syracuse homecoming queen will finally hang her crown up to rest, leaving the world a lot less joyful than it would be with her in it.

An emblem of sophistication, Gerri’s timeless style always matched her manicured nails and golden brown curls perfectly; however, it was her vibrant spirit and warm heart that caught the attention of her fellow Orangeman and late husband, King, whom she fell madly in love with and married while in Syracuse University. There, she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and a cheerleader as King played on the fighting Orangemen’s Football team. Together they built an amazing family, a precious gift that she never took for granted, and the love and joy she found in each of them became the success story of her life.

Gerri’s grandchildren were at the center of her being, and she wasn’t afraid to tell you about it. A devout sports fan, she had a distinct pitch that was known to all and piercing to some. She was the person you wanted on your side, and you never had to turn around to check if she was there.

Although her family mourns the loss of their proud matriarch, her life is cause for celebration in which she would have insisted. Gerri lived a long, wonderful life and is forever grateful for all of those who made it so.

She was predeceased by the love of her life Kingdon R. Westerlind; her parents Bruno Lucarelli Sr. and Florence Lucarelli; a brother Joseph M. Lucarelli and a sister in-law, Eilleen Lucarelli.

She is survived by her three children: Laura Layton and her husband Jeff, Regina Stevenson and her husband Ken, Kingdon Gerard Westerlind and his former wife Courtney Marshall Westerlind; her seven grandchildren: Shea, Tyler, Brooke, Chris, Kylie, Ryan, Tate and her furry companion Duke (OOK). She is also survived by her loving brothers Bruno J. Lucarelli Jr. (Sheila); and Anthony Lucarelli; a sister Anita Mclean and sister in-law Rosanne Lucarelli and many much loved nieces, nephews, cousins—and she’ll live in their hearts forever.

A Christian mass to celebrate her life will be Friday February 16th at 10:30 am at St. Michael’s RC Church, 800 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch.

Donations may be made in Gerri’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. To share a favorite memory or messages of condolence, please visit Gerri’s Page of Tributes at www.woolleyboglioli.com.