Geraldene Pudwell

Geraldene “Geri” Pudwell, 74, of Sooke, British Columbia, passed away at her home surrounded by family on July 4th, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Geri was born on November 29, 1949 to Ethel Ione (Burton) and Joseph Kluserits in Lethbridge, Alberta. She spent her childhood years with her four sisters and one brother in Foremost, Alberta. She had a special bond with her Grandpa Schrader. Her family later moved to Redcliff and then Medicine Hat, Alberta. It was during her high school years at Medicine Hat High School that she became a licensed beautician. After graduation she worked as a hairdresser at the Clip and Curl downtown.

Her greatest accomplishment – and the most important thing in her life – was her family. This all started with a wink from an adorable young man at the curling rink! On September 2nd, 1968, they were married. In 1970, they welcomed their first child, Pamela. Two and a half years later, Paul was born. Their third child, Daniel, was welcomed to the family 14 years later.

Due to her outgoing and energetic nature, Geri was always active. She was a Teacher Assistant at Southview Community School for over 20 years, teaching primary students to read and write. She later taught at the Alternative High School supporting junior and senior high students. Geri had a special knack for motivating and encouraging kids of all ages; her positivity, supportive nature, and cheerful disposition helped many children to succeed. She also instructed aerobics and aquacise, taught paper tole and art classes, modeled in fashion shows, and participated in musical theatre productions and choirs. Simultaneously, she accompanied her children to every extra curricular activity. She took great pride in managing her household and creating delectable homecooked meals. Geri was such a superb cook that in later years the local fishermen would trade their ‘fresh catch’ for a casserole dish of her famous cabbage rolls!

In 2008, after retirement Geri and Doug began a new adventure. They relocated to Vancouver Island, settling in Sooke, British Columbia. Geri instantly became involved in her new community. She was an active member of the Lions Club, taught Aquacise at SEAPARC, and looked forward to her community Ladies Walking Group each week. Geraldene became a member of the Arts and Culture Colwood Society and was one of the talented artisans featured at Coast Collective. Geri’s love for Fiber Arts flourished during this time; her artwork was sold in many shops throughout the Island. Being a part of the Sooke Fine Art Society, Geri was very proud to have showcased countless beautiful works of art through the years at the local Sooke Fine Arts Show.

In 2012, Doug and Geri invested in a hospitality business near Whiffen Spit. Their retirement career continued at “Salty Towers: Ocean Front Cottages”. Together they took on new invigorating responsibilities. Geri created welcome baskets that contained her famous banana bread and greeted every guest with a smile, a tour, and an overview of all that Sooke has to offer. She and Doug have hosted people from all over the world!

Family defined Geri. She was a devoted, active, and loving wife and mother. She had a special bond with her daughter – in – law, Allexys and deep affection for her son-in-law, Glenn.
She was Gramma to Madison & Tyson, Kennedy & Kolt, and Jackson; she was Gaga to Lincoln; she was “Gramma at the Ocean” to her great-grandchildren Kinley, Harlow, and Isla. She was considered a best friend, a constant, and their role model. She was the best advice giver, secret keeper, and cheerleader.

Geri was kind, brave, and loyal. She was our glue, our rock, our inspiration. She will be profoundly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 23rd at 2:00 pm at Salty Towers, 1581 Dufour Road, Sooke, BC. Please wear vibrant, happy colors – just like Geri always would. We hope you can attend and celebrate Geri’s vivacious life with all of us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Cancer Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.