Betty J. Gerard

Betty J. Gerard (White, McGlynn), of Kalamazoo, passed away on February 28, 2024 in Coral Springs, Florida. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, George Gerard, in 2009; her first husband, Robert E. McGlynn; her daughter, Helen P. (Cookie)McGlynn; her son, Robert E. McGlynn Jr.; and her siblings, Beatrice, Vivian, Margie, Arthur, and Bob.

Betty is survived by her children: Jeanne (Ray) Coulter, Dan (Kathy) McGlynn, Dan (Mary) Gerard, Julie (Charlie) Seeger, and Jeff Gerard; as well as her younger sister, Maxine (Ed) Hurst. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Mike (Heather) McGlynn, Jay Evans Jr., Maura McGlynn, Shane McGlynn, Christopher McGlynn, Brendan McGlynn, Grace McGlynn, and Angie Gerard; and her two great-grandchildren: Gavin Dolliver and Violet McGlynn. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters-in-law, Nancy White and Jeannine McGlynn, and several loving nieces and nephews.

Betty was born on September 28, 1935, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the fifth child of seven to Dorothy and Arthur White. She attended school in the Kalamazoo Public School system and was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. Despite enduring early losses, including her first-born child, Helen P. McGlynn, in 1961, husband Robert E. McGlynn in 1967, and son Robert E. McGlynn Jr. in 1979, Betty remained resilient.

After the loss of her husband, Betty rekindled an old high school crush and eventually married George E. Gerard in February of 1980. Betty cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, enjoying activities such as camping, gardening, and playing games. She had a love for travel, particularly to warmer climates, and spent many winters in Florida, including her final year in Coral Springs with her daughter, Jeanne.

A celebration of Bettys life will be held, August 3, 2024, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Battle Creek MI. The family suggests comfortable attire. Visitation with the family starts at 11:00 am. A memorial celebration of Betty's life starts at 11:45am. Immediately followed by refreshments and social time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice, including Alzheimer's research or the American Cancer Society. For more information, please visit Coralspringsfuneralhome.com or contact the family directly.

Coral Springs Funeral Home

954-255-8411