Geri M. Symons

MIDDLETON- Geri M Symons, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, passed away on Saturday Oct. 7, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Geri graduated from Edgewood High School in 1946 and went on to attain her business/accounting degree at Madison Business College.  She was an insightful accountant, who held various esteemed positions at Strand Engineering, Mautz Paint and Symons Accounting, before retiring from her career as a Chief Financial Officer at McArthur Towels in 1994.  Geri leaves behind her children from her first marriage: devoted daughter, Carla (Brandon) Scholz, loving daughter, Kathie Kaczmark, Deborah Slaght and Sandra (Richard) Grote. She was married to her second husband, Glen Symons in 1978, and welcomed to her heart, three more children, Greg Symons, Gary (Nicky) Symons and Marcy (Steve) Reiland.  Geri was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Symons; daughter, Vicki Slaght and her beloved parents, Vincent and Sarah Doll.  She also leaves behind her beloved granddaughters, Emerson and Avery Scholz, whom she doted on and adored; brother, Richard Doll (Inger); and numerous other beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces/nephews, cousins and friends. Known for her kindness and quick wit, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and delightful demeanor that won the hearts of many.  Her joyfulness and love of life, shown through her constant smiling, laughing and joking around will never be forgotten.  One of the ways Geri showed her love for her family and friends was through the delicious meals she prepared from scratch, sewing designer level clothing for her children and friends, and knitting and crocheting memorable keepsakes.   Geri and her husband Glen spent many years fulfilling her dream of travelling the world, creating many memories that she cherished for a lifetime.  She loved “cruising” and vacationing with her family.  She was delighted to accompany her son, Gary, on his first cruise to the Caribbean and frequently accompanied her daughter Carla, beloved son-in-law, Brandon, and their children, Emma & Avery, to Mexico, Branson, Mo., Las Vegas, Florida and the Northwoods in Wisconsin.  A gifted musician, Geri sang and played the bass guitar in a band for many years.  She had a deep love of music, the theater and enjoyed going to performances of any kind. Geri was a regular at the Overture center, Stoughton Opera House, American Players Theater, any concert/musical venue and she especially loved watching her granddaughter’s, Emerson and Avery, dance on stage.  Family and friends were Geri’s passion and delight. Her family fondly referred to her as a “social butterfly”, who never passed up an opportunity to go out and have fun. She loved outdoor BBQ’s, playing cards and spending family time with her daughters Kathie and Carla. She adored going out for dinner & playing cards with her son Gary, his wife Nicky, her nieces Anna & Beth and Beth’s husband, David. She also enjoyed playing games and bingo with her neighbors/beloved friends at Sauk Gardens.  Geri was always grateful for the life that God had given her and had a genuine appreciation for everything.  The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support.  A celebration of life gathering will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., with a service to be held at 3 p.m. Geri had a special place in her heart for those less fortunate.  Because of that, In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Middleton Outreach Ministry and to The Road Home in Dane County.  The urn that Geri’s earthly remains will be held in nicely sums up, in one sentence, how fondly she will be remembered, “Our Angel that lived, laughed and loved.”  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.