Geraldine Baumgarten

Geraldine (Gerry) Healey Baumgarten, 84, returned to her heavenly home on October 9, 2019. She joins beloved family members who preceded her in death, her husband, James Norman Baumgarten, daughter Elizabeth, brother, Boyd Healey, her parents, Maurice and June Healey, and many dear family members and cherished friends.

Gerry was born on June 22, 1935 in Hamilton, Montana. She spent her early years in Alpine, Utah and Hamilton, Montana. She lived on a farm and learned to drive when she was 11. She loved driving and going on road trips her entire life. Gerry graduated from high school when she was 17. This was during the Korean War and at that time young women who graduated from high school could serve missions. She was called and became a missionary in the West Central States mission at the young age of 17. She loved her mission and it was there that she met her future husband, Jim, who was a fellow missionary. They were married on March 18, 1955 in the Salt Lake temple. She and her husband were blessed with 8 children, 4 girls and 4 boys.

Jim and Gerry loved the gospel and it was the center of their lives. She served in many callings as they raised their large family. She especially loved Relief Society and listening to General Conference.  She and her husband lived in California for 18 years and then moved to Utah where they spent the rest of their lives.

Gerry loved to cook, and she put together a family cookbook that is still used by her children and grandchildren today.  She loved playing games and cards, especially pinochle. She taught many of her grandchildren to play pinochle. When she was a young girl there was no television, and she and her brother went to the movies every Saturday. Going to movies was a lifelong passion. Gerry discovered live theater after marrying her husband and moving to the city.  She went to many plays and took her grandchildren yearly to see a play at the Hale Theater.  Gerry loved to travel and she went on trips with friends and family all over the United States and the world.  She was often found reading a book or newspaper, and there were many books in her home.  As a girl she often read with a flashlight under her covers long after her mother thought she was asleep. One of her great joys was planning parties. She planned luaus, Christmas parties and family gatherings.  Her grandchildren fondly remember her grandchildren parties every Easter, Pioneer Day and Christmas.

Gerry was known for her constant service. She took many meals to neighbors and family members, she served on the Provo Senior board, she was the captain of her DUP group, and she was a volunteer in the baptistry of the Provo Temple. She began making Christmas quilts with her grandchildren years ago and they donated the quilts to Primary Children’s Hospital for children who were in the hospital during the holidays. This tradition continues today.

Gerry worked as a secretary for several businesses and ran a sales business with her best friend and business partner, Mary Padgett.

The family extends to Cove Point Retirement and Covington Senior Living their most profound gratitude and sincere thanks for their excellent and loving care during her 5 year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Gerry is survived by her sister, Mayrene (David) Bickmore, sister-in-law, Mahala Healey, brother in law, David (Rosalee) Baumgarten, children, LeeAnn (Tony) Cummings, Cheryl (Karl) Radmall, Jeanne (Doug) Slater, Paul Baumgarten, Alan (Sharry) Baumgarten, Steve (Allison) Baumgarten, and Mark (Kristen) Baumgarten.  She is also survived by her grandchildren (the great joys of her life) Lucy, Tom, Aaron, Kurt, Christie, TeriAnn, Seth, Bryan, Luke, Nick, Logan, Maddie, Brittany, Tanner, Weston, Alyssa, Trina, Erica, Anna, Carrie, Elle, Conner, Aurora, Zoe, Tabitha, Talia, Sammi, Joe, Jake, Tyler, and Grace as well as 21 great grandchildren.

There will be a viewing for family and friends on Sunday, October 13 from 6 to 8 PM at 1489 E 800 S. Provo, Utah.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 14 at 11 AM with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the same address.