Geraldine (Geri) Elizabeth Otey Phipps passed away on January 31, 2021, while in hospice care at the age of 91.Geraldine (Geri) Elizabeth Otey Phipps passed away on January 31, 2021, while in hospice care at the age of 91.
Geri was born on November 9th, 1929, in Brooklyn, NY, as the only child of James H. Otey, Jr. and M. Frances Johnson Otey. Geri received her Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College, Queens, NY, and her MS in nursing education from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY.
After her father’s death in 1945, Geri summered with her mother on Chebeague Island in Maine where she met Robert Hubbard (Bob) Phipps. They married on June 16, 1956, and lived in Lindenhurst, NY, through Bob’s death on April 13th, 1965. After Bob’s death, Geri worked as a school nurse teacher in the Lindenhurst public schools.
In 1971, Geri relocated with her three children Jim, Tom and Barbara to Merritt Island, FL, where she shared her son Tom’s passion for sailboat racing and became actively involved in the events of the East Coast Sailing Association. Geri was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Eau Gallie and supported all of her three children in their pursuit of college and postgraduate education.
After raising her children, Geri went back to work as a tax preparer for H & R Block for a number of years before doing private tax preparation work until she was 90 years of age. Geri was an avid duplicate bridge player and became a Silver Life Master. She enjoyed travelling and teaching Bridge on cruise ships around the world. Geri relocated to Melbourne Beach in the early 1990s where she lived for over 25 years before moving to The Fountains of Melbourne in 2018 where she enjoyed an active social life.
Geri is survived by her three children James E. Phipps (Gisele), Thomas O. Phipps (Sheila) and Barbara L. Springstroh (Daniel) as well as eight grandchildren (Meagan Phipps, Kathryn Phipps-Dezotell, Christine Mins, Emily Phipps, Heidi Springstroh, Benjamin Springstroh, Julia Phipps and Robert Phipps) and three great grandchildren (Halie Dezotell, Michaela Mins and Maverick Dezotell).
A Memorial Service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church located at 610 Young Street in Melbourne, FL, on Friday, February 5th, at 11:00 AM. Due to COVID-19, the church has limited capacity, but those who would like to view the service online may participate virtually by clicking the link to the YouTube channel at www.stjohnsmlb.org. Geri requested to be cremated and her ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden at St. John’s Episcopal Church at a private interment for family only after the service. Due to COVID constraints, there will be no public reception following the service.
Geri’s family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in her name to:
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Development Department
P.O. Box 016880 (D-880)
Miami, FL 33101-6880