Teresa Geraghty Becker of Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, formerly from Gloversville, died November 21. Teresa was born in Little Falls, New York, the daughter of the late Michael and Anna Derrig Geraghty. She moved to Gloversville with her family as a child. She was educated in the Gloversville school system, graduating from Gloversville H.S. Following graduation she attended Hartwick College where she earned a B.S. degree in nursing and psychology. Later she earned a master’s degree in nursing education from Russell Sage College and attended New York University Graduate School. At Hartwick she was a member of Phi Sigma Phi Sorority. At Russell Sage, she was elected to Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society.
Teresa began her teaching career as a member of the faculty at Nathan Littauer Hospital School of Nursing where she taught until her marriage to Carl F. Becker in 1955. After raising their two sons, she returned to teaching at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in 1970. Teresa’s lifelong passion for nursing and education made her a dedicated, gifted teacher. During her tenure she attained the rank of full professor and in 1983 she was appointed director of the nursing program. Serving in the position she inspired students to lifelong learning and experiences to enable them to provide optimun care in their practice. She retired from the college in 1997 as professor emerita.
Her community service included membership in the Nathan Littauer Hospital Auxiliary, the Getman Home, the Fulton-Montgomery Mental Health Association and Friends of the Gloversville Public Library.
Teresa was an avid golfer, enjoying many happy years playing with her husband and great friends. She also loved playing bridge, oil painting, gardening, traveling and reading and especially spending quality time with her loving family and dear friends.
A devout Catholic, Teresa was a communicant of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Gloversville.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving sons, Gary (Roberta) of Saratoga Springs, Gregory (Theresa) of Mansfield, Mass.; granddaughters, Alexandra and Samantha; brothers, Martin and Brendan Geraghty; a special sister-in-law, Emerita Geraghty; many adored nieces, nephews, cousins and very special dear friends.
In addition to her parents and husband Carl who died in 2003, Teresa was predeceased by her sister, Mary; brothers, James, John, Alfred and Michael.
Arrangements are by the John W. Finocan Funeral Home, 13 Prospect Ave., Gloversville, New York 12078. Visiting hours Thursday 5 to 7 p.m. with a Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 am. on Friday at the Church of the Holy Spirit. Burial will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Kingsboro Avenue, Gloversville.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9929 or to Fulton-Montgomery Community College Nursing Department or to a charity of your choice.
