Geraldine J. Stillwell

Geraldine Joan Stillwell (Cavanaugh), age 86, of Oxford, PA, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2023.

Geraldine, known to friends and family as Geri, was born to John and Jean Cavanaugh (Modestowicz) in Darby, PA on February 5, 1937. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in Moylan, PA in 1954. Geri worked as a secretary throughout her career and retired at age 50 as Executive Secretary for Westinghouse Corporation. She filled her retirement years with travels throughout the United States and Europe, and by spending quality time with her six grandchildren. Geri was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford, PA.  She loved vacationing at the Jersey Shore throughout her life; first in Avalon during her childhood years, and later at her summer home in Ocean City. Geri enjoyed the Philadelphia Orchestra, the ballet, and theatre, and instilled a love of the arts and music in her children. The sounds of musical theatre (especially the “Camelot” soundtrack) often filled her home. In her free time, Geri also loved cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies and cracking open an ice-cold beer. She had excellent style and taste and stayed up to date on all the latest trends, even well into her 80s. 

Geri always lived life to the fullest and was steadfast in her beliefs. She was a true extrovert — Geri never missed a party and was thrilled whenever friends and family came to visit. She was a wonderful storyteller and brought joy and laughter wherever she went. Geri was always the biggest supporter and cheerleader for her grandchildren. She was excited for each milestone and made sure to attend all of their events. Geri especially loved spending time with her four great grandchildren, whom she adored. 

Geri is predeceased by her parents, daughter Faith Anne Pypelink, husband Wesley Stillwell, and sister Barbara Anne Mariani. 

She is survived by her daughters Kathleen Pypelink Brown (Frank), Christine Pypelink Hunt (Donald); grandchildren Victoria Bonsall Basciani (Billy), Bonnie Bonsall Puma (Paul), Aaron Brown, Emily Bonsall, Hope Brown Demmi (Nick), and Isabella Hunt; great grandchildren Scarlett Basciani, Poppy Puma, Georgia Puma, and William Basciani Jr.; and her twin brother Gerald Cavanaugh. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the LONGWOOD FUNERAL HOME of MATTHEW GENEREUX, 913 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square.  Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Interment will be private and for family only.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to The Little Sisters of the Poor (https://www.littlesistersofthepoordelaware.org/donations/) OR Water Street Mission (https://wsm.org/make-an-impact/donate/) would be appreciated. 

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