Geraldine “Gerry” M. Ruhl, of Philadelphia, died on Sunday, January 10, 2016, at Chestnut Hill Hospital. She was 73.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur and Helen Ruhl nee McGann.

Gerry grew up in Philadelphia and was a 1960 graduate of St. Maria Goretti High School.  In 1960 she joined the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Ilchester, Maryland and was with them for 9 years, and while there, earned her degree from Trinity College in Washington D.C.  She returned home and in 1970 began her teaching career at the parish for St. Bernard Church.  She worked there for over 15 years as the CCD coordinator, Math and reading tutor and a 3rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade teacher. 

Then in 1985 she took a hiatus from teaching and volunteered her time and energy to those in need in the Philadelphia Prison System, Mercy Hospice, Garden State Hospital and Women of Hope.  In 1988 she returned to the classroom; this time at Holy Cross in Philadelphia where she remained until her retirement in 1998.

Throughout her life, Gerry gave to others and helped those in need. She was a dedicated and patient teacher, loved and appreciated by her students. Her kind works of mercy, love of family and service to community will always be remembered and appreciated by those who knew her.  Her nieces and nephews will especially miss the kindness and affection of “Ger”.

She is survived by her brother Jack Ruhl and his wife Kate, her two sisters Helene Hennessey and her husband Jack, and Kathleen Gordon and her husband the late Bill.  She was also predeceased by her sister and brother in law Barbara and Vic Schorn.  Gerry is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday from 10:00 AM until her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Rd., Holland, PA 18966.  Int. Holy Sepulchre Cem.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to St. Bede the Venerable Church at the above address.