Geraldine Marie (Reinhardt) Tukey

GORHAM – Geraldine Marie (Reinhardt) Tukey, 86, of Gorham, Professor Emeritus of University of Southern Maine School of Nursing of Portland, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 with family and a close family friend by her side.

Gerry was born in Detroit, Mich. on March 16, 1936. Graduated from Mercy College in Detroit, Mich. and received her master’s degree from Boston University. Her interest in the mental health field led her to receive a special scholarship from the Kennedy foundation to attend graduate school. In high school and college she played multiple sports, including swimming, basketball and tennis, and later coached.

Marriage brought her to Maine, where she became a nursing professor at USM in Portland for 30 years. She was an active member of her profession and local community. She served on many boards, committees, and creating many new courses, research studies, and sporting programs. She was an avid participant in politics, serving both at the state and local levels.

Passionate hobbies were many, including boating, fishing, gardening, arts and crafts, decorating for Christmas, and relaxing “upta” camp.

Gerry is survived by her sister, Rosemary Osburn of Las Vegas, Nev.; three children, Carolyn Eyerman, her husband Mark and son David, and great-grandchild, Nina; Steven Tukey, his wife Kelly and children Ben and Lily; David Tukey, his wife Deborah, and their children Blake, Anthony and Alex; and nieces, nephews; cousins; family and friends from Bottle Lake in Maine to Las Vegas, Nev.

We extend our deepest gratitude for the compassionate and professional care given by staff at the Gorham House and Compassus over the past few years. We couldn’t have done it without you.

A service and celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home at 199 Woodfords St., Portland on Saturday Oct. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.

You may share your condolences and memories at http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com

In lieu of flowers,

donations to honor Gerry’s life of service and all she loved may be sent to:

USM School of Nursing Scholarship Program,

Alzheimer’s Association,

or Special Olympics.