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Florence Geraldine (Geri) Denninger, 87, a 50 year resident of Santa Fe and eight year resident of Rio Rancho, passed away in her retirement home on October 14, 2009. A devoted wife and loving mother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, she is survived by three sons: Allan, of Toms River, NJ, William and wife Sue, of Geneva, IL and Tom, of Albuquerque. Also surviving are six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lucinda and brightened by her niece Kathy Janda. Geri moved to Santa Fe in 1952 with her late husband Gus, who came to practice dentistry at the Maternal & Child Health Center, where Geri volunteered long after Gus started his private practice. Geri was a very outgoing and social spirit in Santa Fe who many people came to know and enjoy. She volunteered and helped to organize many social groups and clubs. One of her favorites over the years was the Pan American Club with many foreign visitors in her home. She was a tireless and smiling hostess for numerous dinners and parties of all flavors that were always well attended. Travel was one of Geri's passions. She and Gus loved vacationing in Maui for years and then discovered cruises. After Gus' passing she still enjoyed a yearly cruise until her illness kept her at home. Geri loved to cook, grow roses, raise kids, knit, play bridge and gin, read mystery novels, do crosswords, laugh out loud and greet people with a smile. She introduced many people to each other and made everyone feel at ease with a lot of talking. She loved to dress up and go places like fancy restaurants, the Country Club, the Opera, church on Sunday, and shopping. She often complimented total strangers as well as all of her friends and ran a well organized and clean household. She will be missed and remembered for being an example of good taste, graciousness, and tireless energy. All who will remember see her as outgoing, social, and a person who was willing to help. She loved the culture of Santa Fe. She battled dementia valiantly and with a smile during her final years. The family wishes to thank all of the caring and gentle staff at Casa Contenta Assisted Living, especially Bobbie and Desi, for their service and devotion to Geri during her last five years and also wishes to thank the Vista Care hospice staff for their efforts. Both Geri and Gus requested that there be no funerals or sadness of any kind but only to be remembered as friends and members of the clubs and organizations that made them so happy over the years.
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