An elderly couple passed away within 41 hours of each other, with their family stating that the pair could not bear to be apart. Geoff and Gerrie Gradus, who had been married for 67 years, owned a well-known Kosher shop in Margate, Cliftonville. The 89-year-old husband died at home surrounded by loved ones, followed by his 86-year-old wife’s sudden passing less than two days later.
Their youngest daughter, Ruth, expressed that her mother could not handle life without her husband of 67 years. The couple was prominent in the local Jewish community for their shop, G’s Stores, previously operated by Geoff’s parents. Ruth fondly remembered her parents as an inseparable and affectionate duo, always seen holding hands and exchanging kisses.
The daughter recounted how Gerrie’s demeanor changed as Geoff’s health declined. She believed that her mother’s physical decline coincided with her father’s hospitalization, culminating in her inability to carry on without him. The couple met when Gerrie, at 17 years old, was on holiday in Cliftonville, Kent, and they married three years later, enduring the loss of twins in early years of marriage.
Geoff and Gerrie raised four children and managed their beloved shop, known for its popular doughnuts and cheesecake, until the rise of supermarkets in the 1980s. They then transitioned to owning and operating Wychdene Residential Home in Broadstairs, Kent, where they were hands-on and caring individuals who engaged residents in outings and activities.
Tragedy struck the family again when their son Spencer died in an accident in 2016. Active in the community, Geoff served as chairman of Margate Swimming Club and engaged in charity work with Gerrie. The couple enjoyed playing bridge and bowls together, actively participating in various community committees and events, leaving a lasting impact on those around them.
Jutta Bick, recalling childhood memories in Cliftonville, paid tribute to the couple, emphasizing Gerrie’s warm welcome to visiting teenagers. Ruth reiterated that her parents devoted themselves to their community until the very end. Following their demise, the couple received a joint burial service at Margate Jewish Cemetery, symbolizing their eternal bond.
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