Geraldine Haines

Geraldine E. "Gerry" Haines, 89, of Bethlehem passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Holy Family Manor. She was the daughter of the late Madeline (Long) and Joseph Schadle. She was the loving wife of the late Brignal E. Haines, Jr.

Gerry, a Moravian College alumna, dedicated her career teaching and nurturing students within the Bethlehem Area School District. She was a devoted member of St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Walnutport, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and sang in the choir. Gerry established and chaired the Parkinson's support group at Lehigh Valley Hospital. For many years, she represented Pennsylvania at the Parkinson's Forum in Washington D.C. as a state coordinator for Parkinson's Action Network, advocating for government funding for Parkinson's research. Her compassion and commitment earned her several national awards including the 1998 National Parkinson Foundation's Sidney Dorros Memorial Award, the 1998 Parkinson Action Network's Louis Fishman Award, and the distinguished title of 2009 Parkinsons' Advocate of the Year. Additionally, she received regional recognition through the SmithKline Beecham Caring Hands Award for the Philadelphia area and the Sullivan Trail Sertoma Club's Service to Mankind award. Gerry had a love for all animals, but most especially Newfoundland dogs, receiving her first one as a Valentine's gift from her husband, Brignal.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son, David C. Haines and his wife, Stephanie of Bethlehem; her daughter, Vanessa Paskaitis and her husband, Derek of Harrisburg; grandchildren, David Haines, Jr. (Liz), Danielle Mutarelli (Matt), and Nicholas Paskaitis, and great-grandchildren, Trey and Reese Haines.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 8, 2025 at 12 p.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church 1152 Oak Rd. Walnutport, PA 18088.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation 5757 Waterford District Drive Suite 310 Miami, FL 33126 or to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare 1165 Island Park Rd. Easton, PA 18042