Geraldine M Climer

Climer Geraldine M

Former Jackson Citizen Patriot columnist and Midwestern pet writer Jerry Climer passed away Tuesday at Willows Alzheimer's Unit at Spring Arbor Assisted Living. Geraldine Mary Bourdon was born on October 22, 1928 in Jackson, Michigan to Edna (Dwyer) and Roy Bourdon who predeceased her. A life-long Jackson native, Jerry is survived by her husband, James H. Climer, who she married in Jackson on September 11, 1948. She is survived by 5 children, Linda Lillie of Haslett; Lisa Climer (Dave Pemberton) of Chelsea; Paul (Diane) Climer of Las Vegas; J. Kelly (Mary) Climer of Lansing and Lt. Colonel Caroline (Major Chris) Omdal of Tampa, Florida, and 10 grandchildren. Of her 3 siblings, she is survived by her brother, Orville Bourdon of Traverse City and Patricia Lambert of Denver, Colorado. She is predeceased by her brother, John (Jack) Bourdon. Jerry graduated from St. Mary's schools and Jackson Community College and made a lifetime study of French language and culture, the language of her father. She taught dog obedience for many years in the Jackson area, had a Sunday column in the Jackson Citizen Patriot entitled "Canine Corner", and was a well-known columnist for Cat Fancy magazine with her column "From One Cat Lover to Another." As the author of "How to Raise a Dog When Nobody's Home," and "How to Raise a Cat When Nobody's Home", Jerry was a trailblazer in pet training books, with distribution in the United States, Canada and England. She was a member of the Midwest Publisher's Association and served as president. She was a long-time member of Tuesday Musicale, Jackson Chorale and Jackson Business and Professional Women. As a member of the Jackson County Library board, Jerry was involved in the merger of the county library and city (Carnegie) library, and served on the Jackson District Library advisory board. According to her wishes cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Saturday at 10:00 AM. The Rev. Timothy MacDonald officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6 to 8 PM. Vigil Service Friday at 7:30 PM. The family will receive friends at the Church on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Ella Sharp Museum. Special thanks to the staff at Willows and Great Lakes Hospice for their caring and loving attention.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 120 years