GERALDINE “JERI” CARPENTER
Geraldine “Jeri” Carpenter, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Shadyside, Ohio, on November 30, 2023. Born on October 21, 1922, in San Jose, California, Jeri lived a remarkable life that was filled with love, joy, and an unwavering passion for dancing. She was 101 years old at the time of her passing.
Jeri’s infectious spirit and zest for life touched the hearts of all who knew her. She will forever be remembered as the First Shadyside Centennial Queen, a title that showcased her grace, elegance, and undeniable charm. Her love for dancing brought her closer to countless friends throughout the Ohio Valley, and her enthusiasm on the dance floor was truly inspirational.
One of Jeri’s proudest accomplishments was her collaboration with friends Rose Marling Grammar and Lorna Mason in publishing The Lantern Tribune in Shadyside. This endeavor allowed her to express her creativity and connect with the community she adored.
Jeri is preceded in death by her parents Angelo and Lucy Festa, her husband Warren “Dirty Dan” C. Carpenter, her sons Warren “Buzz” Carpenter and Roger Carpenter, her grandson Joshua “Josh” Carpenter, her best friend and companion Robert Boyd, her sister Delores Festa Garcia, her brother James Angelo Festa, and her half-sisters Marcella Soto Bray and Marguerite Collins Soto Cuevas.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Sheryl Coleman, Garry (Nancy) Carpenter, Tim (Darla) Carpenter, Mardee (Jeff) Weeks, and Leanne Carpenter. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ruth Carpenter, her nephew whom she raised as her own, Jeff Festa, and a large extended family including 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Additionally, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will forever hold her close in their hearts.
A celebration of Jeri’s life will take place at the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home, located at 3900 Central Avenue, on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. There will be additional visitation on Monday, December 4, 2023, starting at 11am until the time of the celebration performed by family. Following the services, there will be an immediate burial at Lashley Hill Cemetery in Shadyside, Ohio.
In memory of Jeri, her family kindly requests that you perform a small act of kindness or offer a warm smile to someone in need. These simple gestures embody the love and compassion that Jeri held dear throughout her life.