Geraldine (Gerry) Marie Poynter who was affectionately known as “Ma Poynter” to all who knew and loved her, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2007 with her loving children by her side.

Gerry was born April 12, 1933 in Minneapolis, Minn. to Carl John Tuff and Myrtle Ersbo. She was married to Marcel R. S. Poynter “Mick” on her birthday, April 12, 1952 at the Little Brown Church on South Whidbey.

Mick died in 1972 in North Powder, Ore. After Mick’s death, Gerry raised her six children on her own. She leaves behind Marcella Marie and her husband Pat, Rhonda Lynn and her husband Ward, Michael Lee and his wife Georganne, Cheryl Ann and her husband Dave, Rebecca Ann and her husband Juan and Christine and her husband Randy. She also leaves nine grandchildren, Crystal, Steven, Deaven, Thomas, Elizabeth, Mick, Katherine, Joey and Breann; a sister, Joan Schlaak of Everett, a brother, Curtis Tuff of South Whidbey, and countless nieces and nephews.

In her retirement years she enjoyed traveling with her daughter Marcella to Japan, Hawaii and across the United States. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and reading a good book. Gerry was a true Mariners fan. She especially enjoyed her trips to Reno with her sister Joan.

Gerry will be remembered for her love of family, her love of friends and for giving a helping hand to anyone that needed it. She will be missed by all of us. Mom you have left an empty space in our hearts.

The children of Gerry would like to say a special thank you to Careage of Whidbey for the love and care they gave their mother and to them. You are all a blessing.

Services will be held at noon on Saturday, May 19 at Visser Funeral Home in Langley. A celebration of her life will follow from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion. All are welcome at both.