Olive G Geisler

Olive Gray Geisler (née Sherwin), 95, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey. Born on October 10, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Olive lived a long and fulfilling life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her community. Olive was the daughter of the late William G. and Olive Gray Sherwin and her brother William (Billy) H. Sherwin II. After marrying the love of her life, Walter Geisler—who preceded her in death in 2010—Olive moved to New Jersey where she began working in banking. She then began the dedicated and challenging role of a homemaker. Together they raised five beautiful daughters who were affectionately known as “Blondie #1 through #5,” a nickname born from their close ages and matching blonde hair that made them nearly indistinguishable to many. Olive poured her heart into raising Debra DelBono (spouse Larry DelBono), Barbara Hegarty (spouse Joseph Hegarty), Lorraine Wolski (spouse Michael Wolski), Shirley Wujek (spouse Michael Wujek), and Marsha Stevens (spouse Timothy Stevens). As her daughters grew more independent, Olive returned to the workforce. She first worked as a key punch operator before advancing to a position as an accounts receivable associate at Heyco Products. Her dedication and work ethic were evident in every role she undertook. Family was the cornerstone of Olive’s life. She was a proud grandmother to Erich Kaiser (spouse Krystal Kaiser), Jennifer Kaiser, Evan Kaiser (spouse Kaylee Kaiser), Kimberly Hegarty Barrett (spouse Chris Barrett), Jason Hegarty, Christopher Wolski, Matthew Wolski, Thomas Wolski, Nicholas Wujek (spouse Sabrina Wujek), Jeffrey Stevens (spouse Kate Stevens), Allison Stevens, and Ryan Stevens. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Jake, Alivia, Addison, Charlie, Eleni, Bryson, Lydia, Harbor, Krzysztof, Lolek and Myles Timothy. Olive’s talents extended far beyond the workplace and home. She was an accomplished seamstress who lovingly sewed clothes for her daughters and created beautiful quilts and knitted sweaters. Her crocheted afghans brought warmth to many individuals in declining health and the elderly. A skilled homemaker with a passion for preserving food the old-fashioned way, she enjoyed canning homegrown blueberry jam and pickling her garden cucumbers. Her generosity of spirit was evident in all aspects of her life. For many years, she enjoyed sharing her talents and performing in the Oratory Choir of New Jersey. Olive was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and participated in Vacation Bible School as well as numerous church committees including the Women’s Religious Circle Group, Stewardship Committee, Worship Committee, Prayer and Caring Committee. She gave freely of her time to help others—making sandwiches for the homeless even in her later years—and remained spiritually engaged by attending services virtually. Olive also served her local community with distinction. She held the position of Treasurer for the David Brearley High School Band Booster Club for many years and served as Secretary for the Senior Citizens group. Her commitment to helping those less fortunate extended beyond state lines; she supported underprivileged communities both locally and in Mississippi. In addition to her service work and crafts, Olive found joy in simple pleasures: solving crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles with her caregiver Nani; reading books and newspapers; watching game shows; chatting with neighbors over tea; clipping coupons; and taking bus trips to Atlantic City with friends. She had an uncanny ability to always know what the weather would be. Olive remained active until the very end of her life—a testament to her enduring vitality and unwavering spirit. In memory of Olive Gray Geisler’s generous heart and lifelong commitment to service, donations may be made to the Kenilworth Rescue Squad at 120 N 19th St., Kenilworth NJ 07033 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. May Olive’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Wake will be held on October 10, 2025 from 6 to 8pm at Gray Memorial Funeral Home 12 Springfield Avenue, Cranford. A Funeral Service will be held on October 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church 108 Eastman Street, Cranford. A Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park 1801 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth. Please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.