Geraldine Ann Tozer, age 70, of Fairview Heights, formerly of Southern California, died Monday, June 1, 2009 at her home in Fairview Heights, Ill.

Gerry was born August 27, 1938, in Newark, N.J. She taught elementary school in New Jersey and had a positive impact on many young lives there. She was often contacted by her former students expressing gratitude for her commitment. She married Warren Joseph Tozer on June 13, 1957 in St. Cecelia's Church, South Plainfield, N.J., where Gerry taught fifth grade. In 1970, Warren's career led them to California. Fluent in Spanish, Gerry happily volunteered in the community teaching English as a second language. Later, she began a new career in hotel accounting, retiring in December 2008 after several years with the Hilton Corp. Gerry was very proud of her family and adored her grandchildren. She was always generous and fun and continued to laugh, even to the end. Her family will forever cherish her zeal for a happy life and good times. Over the past several months, Gerry has received kind and compassionate care from the staff at Memorial Hospital. For this, the family is grateful.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 52 years, Warren Tozer of Fairview Heights; her daughter & son-in-law, Caroline and Lt. Col. Patrick Riley, USMC (retired) of O'Fallon; her four beautiful grandchildren, all of whom she dearly loved, Kaity, Matthew, Megan, and Mitchell; and her beloved dear friend, thought of as a sister, Carol Atencio of California and her daughters Wendy and Tiffany.

All funeral services are private.