Obituary of Jerry Perdue
It is heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Francis Gerard “Jerry” Perdue on April 13th, at the age of 97. An avid golf lover, it was fitting that Jerry passed surrounded by his family, with the Masters on the TV.
Predeceased (December) by his beautiful bride of 70 years, Ethel; she was Jerry’s everything.
In 1952, Jerry met the love of his life and together they built a life rich in love and laughter. Their union blessed them with 4 children Brad Perdue, Greg (Isabel) Perdue, Russ (Trish) Perdue, and Trish (Donny) Mills.
Jerry’s gentle soul and warmth made him the most incredible Grandpa to his 10 grandchildren: Michael (Natalie), Nicole (Marcus), Matthew (Christina), Stephanie, Krista, Jacquelyn (Adam), Jordan Kewell, Kyle Kewell (Karly), Ryan Mills, Julia Mills-Bolton (Jake). Jerry lit up when any of his 14 great-grandchildren came to visit; he was still cuddling the babies in his last days.
Jerry was born in Windsor and raised in Chatham. He then moved to British Columbia where he met Ethel. They married in BC and honeymooned in Niagara, where they stayed and made Fort Erie home. Jerry spent his working years switching rail cars for the Canadian National Railroad and was the beloved bus driver for St. Philomena school. After retirement he and Ethel traveled the world with their wonderful friends and enjoyed their winter months in Florida.
Jerry was an incredibly kind and humble man, everyone’s day was made brighter just by being around him. He had the gift of quick wit, always with a twinkle in his eye and that genuine smile. He had countless virtues, his greatest being his ability to love with all his heart. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness and selflessness. Jerry Perdue, you were simply the best. Rest peacefully, reunited with your dear Ethel.
Thank you to the staff at Gilmore lodge for their love and care.
Donations in memory of Jerry can be made to McMaster Children’s hospital.
We invite family and friends to join us at a Funeral Mass to be held at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday April 27th at 1:30 where we will celebrate the wonderful lives of Jerry and Ethel Perdue.
Following the Mass a celebration of life will be held at Bridgewater Country Club where stories will be told tears and laughter shared and two wonderful lives will be remembered.
