Geraldine Dumsha Merrick, mother to many
Geraldine “Jerry” Dumsha Merrick, 91, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully Monday, April 21, 2025. Jerry was preceded in death by her parents, Ursula and Joseph Dumsha; her brothers, Joe and Arnold Dumsha; her son, Joseph J. Merrick; and granddaughter, Priscilla Cole.
Born Jan. 15, 1934, in Baltimore, Md., to Ursula and Joseph Dumsha, Jerry grew up on the family farm and graduated from Centerville High School before attending college at the Maryland Institute of Art. A natural artist, Jerry pursued fashion design studies. While in college, she participated in synchronized swimming, which sparked a lifelong love of and connection to the water. At school, she also met her future husband, George B. Merrick of Upper Marlboro, Md. After marriage, they moved to Mount Mill Farm in Centreville, Md.
Throughout her life, living in Maryland, Delaware, and Florida, she held many jobs that all centered around her artistic or aquatic talents and interests. She owned pet grooming salons in three states, cutely called The Clip Joint. She also taught swimming throughout her life, both professionally and as a volunteer. Hundreds of children as young as six months and adults up to 65 owe their ability to be comfortable and safe in the water to Jerry. In Glenwood, Fla., Jerry managed the aquatic center at the Duval Home for individuals with physical and mental challenges, once again providing hundreds with the opportunity to enjoy the water.
Jerry also loved animals. Over her life, she bred, raised, and rescued horses, ponies, dogs, cats, and even a few squirrels and raccoons.
“Moke-be,” as she was lovingly known by her grandchildren, touched many lives in her long, full life. This is most evident by those she’s survived by, her children, Jerry Cole (George), George Merrick (Natasha), Leighsa Merrick, Jody Merrick (Fish), Matthew Merrick (Jenny), Toni Kovatch (Jeff) and Jason Merrick (Christy); grandchildren George Cole (Chelsea), Joseph Cole, Charlie Cole (Kasey), Jack Cole, Kitty Cole (Stetson), Sophia Merrick, Lilly Merrick, Georgia Merrick, Jacob Webb (Jayme), Monica McGraw (Chip), Joseph Kurtz (Kaylee), Helen Catts, Ursula Catts, Anna Drocella (Johnny), Emma-Lee Merrick, Carmen Merrick, Elizabeth Merrick, Merrick Kovatch, Wyatt Kovatch, Parker Merrick and Madeleine Merrick; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Luke, Fitch, Cooper, Crockett, Maisy, George, Annie and Charlie.
A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 5, at St. Jude the Apostle, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes. Visitation begins at 10 a.m.
