Geraldine Shapiro

September 20, 2020

Geraldine (“Gerrie”) Shapiro, a long-time and community-minded resident of Irvington, NY and a close friend to those who had the good fortune to know her, passed away on September 20 following a long illness. She was 88 years old. Dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the natural environment, Gerrie was actively engaged in efforts aimed at beautifying the Village of Irvington, preserving trees and woodlands and helping to plan a vibrant space for future generations to enjoy. For more than 20 years, she served as an active member of key Village of Irvington Committees, lending her landscape design knowledge and expertise to the Beautification Committee, Woods Committee and the Steering Committee for the Main Street Streetscape Master Plan. She was recognized by the Irvington Woods Committee for her design assistance on the Main Street War Memorials. Gerrie’s love of nature was also expressed in the significant contributions she made as a devoted member of The Garden Club of Irvington-on-Hudson. As chair of the Conservation Committee, she was an early promoter of the O’Hara Nature Center. She also helped in the design of the Rip Van Winkle steps and the placement of the iconic character’s life-size bronze statue on Main Street. In 1992, she established the Irvington-based Gerrie Shapiro Landscape Design consulting business, providing solutions to business and private clients throughout the local and greater New York areas. Gerrie was also a passionate classical music lover and accomplished concert-level pianist who also lent her talents to bring joy to those less fortunate in the community. She was a collector of African art as well as a skilled potter whose several creations adorn the spaces of the Irvington home she shared with her husband, Albert Shapiro, who pre-deceased her in December 2012. They were married 54 years. Gerrie was also a dog lover and the proud owner of three exceptional canines--Riley, Moki and Truffle. She was a champion of haute cuisine and fine dining but enjoyed hot dogs in equal measure. Born March 28, 1932, Gerrie was raised in Dobbs Ferry and graduated from Westminster College with a B.A. in Journalism. She is survived by her cousins, Carolyn Corasiniti-Pagani of Ardsley, NY; Henry Raiche of Wappingers Falls, NY; Peggy Battaly-Piedmonte of Tarrytown, NY; sister-in-law Karen Shapiro and two nephews—Andy and Brian Shapiro— of Lakewood, Ohio. Gerrie’s family and friends will celebrate her life from 2 to 6 pm, Sunday, October 4 at Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, Dobbs Ferry with strict adherence to Covid safety guidelines At 3 PM, there will be a memorial service. The family requests that donations be made in Gerrie’s name to the charity of your choice.