Marcia Elaine (Pearis) Gerrig
originally from Binghamton NY, and Marblehead and Swampscott MA, daughter of the late Rose Olsen Pearis and Philip Pearis and the late Arlene J. Pearis, sister of the departed, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday April 17, 2016. She was married to Attorney Burton W. Gerrig for 58 years. Her most important achievement in life was her three children, five grandchildren, and her new granddaughter Sophia. Robert, her oldest son, 57, of Natick, MA is a Tufts University graduate and an IRS employee for over 27 years. Her middle son, Daniel, 55, of Leesburg, VA, is a Cornell University graduate and is an employee of the Department of Defense. Her daughter Jennifer, of Medway MA, 52, is a graduate of the University of Southern NH and is a manager at Restaurant 45 in Medway MA. Jennifer and David, a wonderful son-in-law, have three boys, the eldest son Craig, 23, is a graduate of the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. His Fiancé Sophia is studying to be a reiki master. Their middle son Christopher 21, is a junior at the University of Massachusetts, and is studying kinesiology and intends to pursue a PHD. Her youngest son Brian, 18, is the Medway High School Senior Class President, a dedicated student, and will be studying economics in the fall at the University of Pittsburgh. Her middle son, Daniel, and his beloved wife, Yehudit have two children. Aylon, 17, is the Riverside High School Junior Class President and a talented baseball player. Their daughter, Ariella, who recently had her bat-mitzvah, is a beautiful talented girl and an aspiring tennis player. Living for her children and grandchildren was the greatest joy in Marcia’s life.
Marcia graduated with a degree in elementary education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and received her master’s degree in Moderate Special Needs from Northeastern University. Beyond her masters, she furthered her education via additional special needs courses. As a teacher, Marcia worked with special needs children for 32 years and enjoyed all the time she spent with these very special students. She was known as a patient, kind and loving teacher.
During her time in Parlin House Hospice Residence, Marcia was regularly surrounded by her dear friends Helen Brody and Sandy Bornstein, members of her book club, fellow teachers, and a wonderful hospice staff too many to mention. Marcia had a hard but fulfilling life, suffered many difficulties, but, courageously rose above them.
On Thursday, April 21st at 11:00 am, a memorial service will held at Wilson Chapel, 234 Herrick Rd, Newton Center. Interment at Glenwood Cemetery, 25 Glenwood St, Natick, MA will immediately follow the memorial service. Shiva will be held at the home of Jennifer Walsh, 10 Kimberly Drive, Medway, MA on Thursday, April 21st immediately following interment until 8:00 PM, on Friday April 22nd from noon until 7:00 pm and Saturday April 23rd from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm for Havdalah followed by Shiva. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Dr. David Barbie Research Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02115.