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Geraldine Estelle Jeri Sams
1030 Obit G Sams

Geraldine Estelle ‘Jeri’ Sams, 78, of Oakdale died peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at home surrounded by her family.

She was born to parents, Mario and Genevieve Ernani in San Jose. She grew up in Willow Glen, and graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1952.

She had a gift for music and loved playing musical instruments from a very young age. She played the accordion, cello, piano, and organ. She also found a gift for teaching those instruments, which is why it made perfect sense that she attended and graduated from San Jose State with an education degree and a minor in music. She received her teaching credential in 1961 and taught in several different elementary schools throughout her career.

In 1967 she and her husband were transferred to the Modesto/Oakdale area.

Mrs. Sams dedicated countless hours to the Oakdale Women’s Club where she served as president for four years and on the board for 34 years. She could always be counted on to have her music keyboard nearby or her friends over to the house to enjoy her music and singing.

She is survived by her son, Brad (Yvonne); mother, Genevieve; brother, Mario; grandchildren; Bianca Marie, Ashley Madison, and Brent Teagan; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; and father, Mario V.

A private memorial service will be held in San Jose.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.