Geraldine B. Macblane

Age, 91, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 in Bethlehem, PA with her beloved children by her side. Geraldine was born March 15, 1923 in Elmira, NY the daughter of the late George and Eleanor (Miller) Barchet. She is survived by children, Lorraine (David) LaDuke of Syracuse, NY; Ellie (Gary) Manchester of Easton, PA; David MacBlane of Elmira, NY; daughter-in-law, Lauren MacBlane of Glenview, IL; grandchildren, Matthew (Monica) Manchester and Michael Manchester of Easton, PA; Ava and Anna Kate MacBlane of Glenview, IL; great grandson, Colton Manchester; twin sister, Genevieve (Francis) Catlin of Horseheads, NY; sister-in-law, Betty Blanchard of Painesville, OH; along with several nieces and nephews. Her loving husband of 58 years, Thomas MacBlane and brothers George and Norman Barchet preceded her in death. Geraldine was a life-long resident of Elmira, NY, except for the last 16 months when she resided in Nazareth, PA. She is a retired school teacher of the Elmira City School District. She was a member of the New Beginnings United Methodist Church, Elmira. She taught Sunday School in her earlier years and served on several church committees and boards. She was very active in the Church Women's United group. Geraldine was a former Girl Scout leader and served on the council, and a former member of the Arnot Ogden Auxiliary Board. For several years she knitted the caps for the preemie babies at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. She loved and enjoyed spending time with her family; her summers on Keuka Lake, helping children develop a love for learning, knitting, sewing, cooking, reading and entertaining. She also enjoyed traveling to the 508 Army reunions throughout the country. Geraldine loved people of all ages and was known for her bright smile. She had a passion for volunteering and helping where needed. She will be greatly missed by her family. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Friday, March 21, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral Services honoring her life will be held on Saturday, March 22nd at 10:30 AM in the New Beginnings United Methodist Church 300 East Miller Street Elmira, NY 14904. The Reverend Leanne Zeck and Reverend Fred Kelsey will officiate. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery with Reverend Kelsey conducting the committal service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the New Beginnings United Methodist Church or St. Luke's Hospice House 2455 Black River Road Bethlehem, PA 18015 in her memory. Geraldine's' guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com