Geraldine (Hamperly) Fitzpatrick

Having lived a vibrant and dynamic life, Geraldine H. Fitzpatrick, 91, departed on March 2, 2020 after a brief illness. Born on August 16, 1928 in California, Geraldine lived for many years in Keyport, New Jersey and Stillwater, Minnesota. Surrounded by a devoted and loving family she passed away at home in Rockwell, NC.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Geraldine was the owner of many businesses including Reign Bow Concessions and Reign Bow Leather. She loved being “Grandma Gerry” selling onion rings at carnivals throughout the US. As “Ms. Beehaven”, she was spokesperson for Ms. Beehaven’s Brittle in the upper mid-west in her 80s.

A role that made her extremely proud and spread immense joy was making and donating 100 lap quilts to wheelchair bound veterans. The quilt project gained Geraldine, and the plight of wounded veterans, print and television coverage. Nothing made her happier than delivering the quilts to the veterans. Along with a cozy quilt the veterans received humorous stories, a few jokes and sometimes even a soft shoe.

Geraldine will be missed for her sparkling personality, seemingly endless stories and her huge body of knowledge on a vast variety of subjects. An avid reader, she was partial to biographies and autobiographies. Geraldine was truly creative, with a passion for sewing that bordered on an obsession. She was an excellent cook, cake decorator and entertainer.

Blessed with boundary less curiosity, Geraldine loved travel. Her journeys took her to fascinating places including China, Thailand, Holland, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Germany, Italy, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and many Caribbean nations. Culture, customs and language were no barrier; she made friends everywhere she went.

Preceded in death are her parents Geraldine Hermina and Rudolf, her brother Rudolf Jr. and husbands, William John Hohenstein Sr. and Raymond Paul Fitzpatrick.

As matriarch of a large and loving family Geraldine will be missed by her children: Robert James Hohenstein (Joan), William John Hohenstein, Jr. (Grace), Donald Giles Hohenstein (Diane), Lauri Flaquer (Marlene), Holly Lynn Borrelli (Annette Marie), Jeanne Helen Fitzpatrick, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life event will be held this summer in accordance with Geraldine’s birthday.