Born on May 1, 1936, Geraldine graduated from Conrad High School in 1954 and went on to earn her nursing degree from Wilmington Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. In April 1958, she married the love of her life, David Husfelt, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted nearly 55 years.
After raising her family, Geraldine returned to the workforce and earned her School Nurse Certification from the University of Delaware. She served as a school nurse in several Newark-area schools before retiring in 1999. Throughout her life, Geraldine was known for her caring nature, warm spirit, and dedication to helping others.
A faithful member and Deacon of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware, Geraldine’s faith was at the center of her life. She devoted many years to Bible study and was an active member of the Presbyterian Women’s Circle. She volunteered regularly by delivering meals to residents of Clark House and faithfully sent Home Touch letters to homebound church members for many years.
Geraldine never met a stranger and formed friendships wherever she went. She was an active member of the Newark Senior Center, where she especially enjoyed spending time with her close-knit group of friends known as the “Water Babies.”
An avid traveler, Geraldine explored many countries around the world with friends and, for many years, with her daughter, Vicki. Even at age 88, she continued to embrace adventure, taking her final trip in 2024. In 2025, at age 89, she traveled to Colorado and Chicago to celebrate the weddings of two of her grandsons.
Geraldine enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies throughout her life, including reading, painting, sewing, bowling, camping, word searches, and puzzles. She was also a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Husfelt; her parents, Wilmer and Margaret King; and her sister, Joanne Berry.
She is survived by her daughters, Vicki Husfelt of Newark, Delaware and Wendy (Jeff) Ridgell of Libertyville, Illinois; her grandsons, Justin Ridgell (fiancée Karli Krok) of Chicago, Illinois; Ethan Ridgell (Kiera Kuper) of Homewood, Illinois; and Gavin (Nicollette) Ridgell of Elmhurst, Illinois; and Patsy Pinto of Newark, Delaware, whom she considered another daughter.
A viewing will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 10-11AM at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware 19808. A Celebration of Geraldine’s life will begin at 11AM. Burial will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Presbyterian Church, 701 S. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19804.
For online condolences please visit www.mccreryandharra.com
