Geraldine A. Stevens

Geraldine A. “Gerry” Stevens of Dixon died February 8th, 2018 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born on August 3, 1938 in Dixon, IL the daughter of Harold and Roseann (Friel) Coffey. Gerry married Robert D. “Bob” Stevens, Sept. 21, 1957 in Dixon, IL. Shortly after their marriage, Bob was drafted into the US Army and stationed in Gehlhausen, Germany. While there at the age of 19, Gerry became a youth activity director and cheerleading counselor. She became a licensed real estate agent in 1971, a broker in 1974, opened Stevens Realtors in 1977 and was the first woman to own her own realty company in Lee County. Through hard work, long hours and exceptional service, she achieved much success and many awards including “Realtor of the Year” in 1986. Gerry served the community as a member of the Board of Directors for several groups: Lee County Board of Realtors, Kreider Services, Inc., Dixon Industrial Development Association and the first woman president of the Dixon Area Chamber of Commerce. She was also active in Dixon Rotary and instrumental in setting up Dixon Main Street and the Lee-Ogle Crime Stopper Board. She was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where she thoroughly enjoyed volunteering in many capacities including Loaves & Fishes, cleaning the church, counting donations and laundering the servers’ albs. She also volunteered for many other organizations in her community such as Meals on Wheels, Buddy Bags and the Serving Up Summer lunch program. Gerry retired in 2001 so she could be the “helpful grandma”. She believed the greatest gifts her children blessed her with were her grandsons whom she followed closely and served as a remarkable role model for. She treasured spending time with family and friends, whether playing cards, bowling or as she called it “therapy”, breakfast after church, picnics or just simply chatting while watching the river go by. Her love of God, family, friends and life are an inspiration to those that had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband Bob; one son, Bob (Sue) Stevens of Parker, CO, one daughter Tracy (Bill) Webb of Dixon; three grandsons, Bobby Stevens of Parker, CO, Garrett Webb of Davenport, IA and Hunter Webb of Dixon. She is also survived by her two brothers Tom (Marilyn) Coffey of Dixon and Bob (Delora) Coffey of Pueblo West, CO and her sister Mary (John) Murphy of Dixon; “second daughter” Pam (Clark) Lumsden and numerous close cousins, nieces and nephews and cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Joe Coffey. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2018, from 4-7 PM at the Holloway Center of St. Patrick’s Church in Dixon. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 12, at 10:30 AM, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dixon, with Rev. Keith Romke, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Geraldine A. Stevens

August 3, 1938 - February 8, 2018