URBANA - Geraldine (Gerry) Marilyn Schriefer, 71, formerly of Champaign and Mahomet, IL, went peacefully into the arms of the Lord at 4:10 AM, Monday, September 1, 2008, after her brave 4 year battle with reoccurring glioblastoma brain cancer at Meadowbrook Health Center, Clark-Lindsey Village in Urbana.

Gerry was born November 11, 1936, in Quincy, Illinois. She was the first born of Jessie and Dr. Gerald Long DVM (Mt Sterling, IL). She married Arno (Arnie) H Schriefer Jr. in 1964. They remained friends after parting company in 1993.

She is survived by her only child Arno III, and daughter in law Kim of Savoy, IL and her two grandchildren Keira and Michael. She felt blessed to meet her grandchildren in her final years. Also surviving her are her mother, Jessie, brothers Benjamin Long (sister in law, Anita), and Marcellus (all of Mt Sterling, IL) and sister Justine Welty (brother in law Kenneth) of Golden, IL, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by her father Dr. Gerald Long.

Gerry grew up in Mt Sterling, IL then graduated from Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, in 1958. She then moved to Champaign to attend the U of I, and graduated in 1963 from the University of Illinois' School of Library Science. She worked briefly at Edison Middle School, and then moved to the Mahomet School District. She was the Head Librarian for Mahomet Seymour High School until she retired after 25 years of service in 2003. Her love of books and the performing arts lead her to work part time at Pages For All Ages and also was a frequent patron of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

Gerry moved into Clark Lindsey Village in January of 2006, then Meadowbrook Health Center in May of 2007. She will be remembered for her smile and her solo concerts to the residents.

Gerry gave much to her community through her involvement as a member of Altrusa International, Inc. of Champaign-Urbana, IL from 1995. She became president in 2002-2003. She remained as active as she could through her treatment and was given the high honor of Emeritus Standing for over 10 years of service. She was also a member of The Fortnightly Club, and the Mozart group.

Gerry discovered the enjoyment of travelling right before she retired. She made up for lost time and travelled much of the world: Europe, North Africa, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. She also took part in a number of Elderhostel trips within the US travelling to New York, New Orleans, The National Parks, as well as traveling as much as she could with her mother. She also frequented the family cabin in Land 'O Lakes, Wisconsin for many summers.

An active member of the University Place Christian Church for many years, she was a deacon as well as a member of the Church Choir. Her a cappella voice and solos will be missed.

A standing ovation is given to all the staff members at Meadowbrook Health Center. You are all absolute angels. Thank you so much for your support and care of Gerry.

Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held at 5-7 PM Thursday, September 4, 2008 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held for Gerry on September 5 at 9:00 am at the University Place Christian Church, 403 S. Wright St., Champaign, with Terry Ewing officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the University Place Christian Church or to Clark Lindsey Village Library Fund 101 Windsor Rd. Urbana, IL 61802.