Lorraine Geils Obituary

Lorraine Agnes Geils, a woman of steadfast conviction and an indomitable spirit, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025 at the age of 85. Lorraine was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ where she met and married her husband Edwin (Ed). She also lived in Metuchen, NJ but her pride and joy was her home and life she cultivated for the past 50 years in Murray Hill, NJ.

From her humble beginnings in Jersey City, Lorraine, along with Ed, worked tirelessly inside and outside of the home to provide a better life for themselves and their children, and that she did. While she ran a tight family ship, she loved her family and friends fiercely and was their most powerful advocate. Lorraine always claimed raising her children was her biggest accomplishment in life and she took pride in their successes and provided wisdom and guidance in their setbacks.

Lorraine was a cancer survivor and was plagued with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis for the majority of her adult life. Although she endured countless surgeries and was in constant physical pain, she was fueled by her unyielding determination and perseverance to continue to maintain an independent lifestyle in the home she so dearly loved. Simply put, Lorraine was one ""tough cookie!""

To have known Lorraine is to have loved Lorraine is an understatement. She was a ""force of nature"" who always spoke her mind and never was afraid to ask for something she wanted or thought she deserved (because she said the worst they could say is no)! Lorraine enjoyed entertaining family and friends but didn't really like to cook (except she did make some mean meatballs and tapioca pudding). She loved to travel, especially to her beloved Sanibel Island, but absolutely dreaded packing for the trips. She had a ferocious appetite and especially loved chocolate milkshakes, Cheez-Its and Coors Lite. Lorraine was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed a good St. Patrick's Day party. She was a meticulous housekeeper and moved her talents outside to become an avid gardener and affectionally known as ""The Rock Lady."" Lorraine was her children's biggest cheerleader at their sporting events, proudly ringing her infamous cowbell for every point or run scored (and sometimes unknowingly every foul or error committed). She was a ""bully"" of a photographer, requiring mandatory photo shoots at all holidays, family gatherings and school functions, but these family memories are now priceless. Lorraine was our mom who we loved unconditionally and will miss deeply.

The family would like to thank the friends, neighbors and caregivers who have have helped Lorraine throughout the years. They are forever grateful for your love, friendship and support of their mom.

A private family ceremony was held earlier this week in Bethesda, MD and a Celebration of Life honoring Lorraine's life and legacy will be held in February 2026 in New Jersey.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 41 years, Edwin J. Geils, her brother, John D. Doherty and her sister Eileen M. Doherty. She is survived by her son Edwin Patrick Geils (Susan) of Rockville, MD; her daughter Kathleen Geils McLean (Ernie) of Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren: Colin Geils (Caitlin), Ryan Geils (Cassie), Cara Geils, Jillian Geils, James Fite and Lauren Fite; her great grandchild: Graham Geils.; her brother-in- laws: Rich Geils (Susan) and Jack Stapienski; her sister-in-law: Mary Doherty; and many nephews and nieces.