She lived for many years on Adams Street in West Chester, PA. Gerri graduated from West Chester High School in 1957 and from Temple University in 1962, majoring in Journalism and Sociology. After graduating from Temple, she immediately became a Journalist for a newspaper in Binghamton, NY, until she had her first child and then left the newspaper to become the wonderful mother we all knew.
In 1990, she decided to pursue her Masters of Social Work from the University of Albany, NY. Driving to Albany, NY four nights a week to pursue this education, Gerri simultaneously raised her three children, and never failed to provide the girls with a home cooked meal and a loving home.
Gerri tirelessly worked for Dutchess County Social Services for 23 years from 1987, until her retirement in 2010. During this time, she helped hundreds of adults and children while working in Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Adoption Unit and Foster Care Unit. Gerri was also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. She was an unendingly devoted social Worker, co-worker, and friend to many. She was a longtime member of the Regina Coeli Roman Catholic Church in Hyde Park and a loyal parishioner.
Gerri loved everyone and was especially fond of her animal friends. She loved her years living on the farm on Rymph Road in Clinton Corners, where she and her children raised sheep, goats, pigs, and horses. Gerri loved riding her favorite horses “Jackpot” and “Dan Patch” and adored her cat “Tommie”.
She was a tremendous supporter of the Chester County Hospital and the Chester County Historical Society, and was an active member and Co-President of the Hershey’s Mill Chester County Auxiliary, and volunteered much of her time raising money and organizing fund raisers for these organizations.
Gerri is survived by three daughters; whom she cherished; Allison and Brad Robenstein; Kelly Libolt and Chris Johnson; Susan and John Schaeffer, and was “Nona” to her beloved grandchildren; Brynn Robenstein, Sydney Robenstein, Ashley Libolt, Ryan Libolt, Jack Schaeffer, and Sam Schaeffer, whom she spent as much time with as possible.
She is also survived by her two loving sisters; Julie Andrien and Tommi and Bill Whitcraft.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Agnes Church, 233 Gay Street, West Chester PA 19380. Following the Mass, a graveside ceremony will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, 1050 Pottstown Pike, and West Chester PA 19380.
To order flowers for services, please contact Blue Moon Florist, 610-873-7900, 1107 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown, PA 19335
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in the name of Gerri Battista to the Chester County Hospital Foundation, 701 East Marshall Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380 or visit the website at:
www.chestercountyhospital.org/giving/ways-to-give/make-a-gift-now
