Geraldine Cass Eastler died, completely at peace and held closely by family, on Friday, May 15th at home in Weybridge, Vermont. Gerry moved to Vermont in February, after living in the seacoast area of New Hampshire for over 42 years.

Gerry was born in Buffalo, New York on September 8, 1933. Her father died when she was an infant, and her mother passed the care of Gerry and her brother to their grandparents. She lived in several towns in the Buffalo area, attended boarding schools in Canada and Massachusetts, and Bennett College in Millbrook, NY. In 1954 she married Hoover C. Sutton Jr., settling in New Canaan, CT several years later. While in New Canaan, Gerry and Hoover were founding members of the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan. In the summer, Gerry and Hoover would head to Small Point, Maine, where they ran the program at the Small Point Summer School for several summers. Gerry and Hoover worked together to create a dynamic program for children ages 5-12.

In the mid-1960’s, Gerry showed her strong ambition with a small business she started with a couple of friends. As she told the story, the new tennis pro at the New Canaan Field Club asked her advice about a line of women’s sportswear for the pro shop. She searched for something that would bring color to the court and couldn’t find anything. That was the seed for a two-and-a-half-year journey into the commercial production of a line of women’s tennis apparel. The Gerry Chase line of dresses, sweaters, and separates was a total success, including a large order from Saks Fifth Avenue. The realities of motherhood and the challenges of running a rapidly growing business brought an end to that dream. A few years later, Gerry and Hoover divorced.

In 1971, Gerry moved to Williamstown, MA and began taking courses with the goal of getting her college degree. While there, she met and married William Eastler and added a son to her family. They moved several years later to New Hampshire, where Gerry became very involved in the local golf club, ultimately competing in multiple tournaments across the eastern United States, winning many trophies along the way.

Gerry had many dreams and abilities. She was an accomplished craftsperson, including making hand cut-and-pierced and decorated lampshades. She was also deeply engaged in the craft of traditional hooked rugs, including a 5’ by 8’ rug using hand-dyed wool, a project that took 7 years to complete. Beyond her ability as a maker, she had a lifelong dream of working as a social worker. She ultimately met this goal, completing her undergraduate degree, and then graduate degree when she was 60 years old, with a master’s degree in social work from Simmons College. As a licensed counselor, Gerry had a 30-year career as a mental health therapist, retiring at 90. She loved her work and continued with a handful of clients until weeks before her death.

Gerry is survived by Jonathan F. Sutton (Marie) of Bedford, NH, Melissa Maruca (Michael) of Springfield, MA, H. Clark Sutton (Megan) of Weybridge, VT, and William E. Eastler (Anna) of Seattle, WA. Gerry was predeceased by her daughter, Leslie Hall Sutton. At the end of her life, Gerry encouraged all to read the poem The Lanyard, by Billy Collins. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The family would like to especially thank Dr. Gavin Noble, Dr. Katie Miller, and Sarah, Mary Ellen, and others from Addison County Home Health and Hospice who all provided immeasurable kindness and support to Gerry and her family.

Two years ago, many friends and family gathered to celebrate Gerry’s 90th birthday. The family has agreed that her birthday gathering was the perfect celebration of a life well lived. There will be a graveside service for immediate family in the church garden at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan. She will be laid to rest beside Leslie and Hoover.

To view Geraldine’s online tribute, or send flowers or condolences to the family, visit www.CSNH.com