Muriel “Cherry” (Childs) McGee, age 96, a former longtime resident of Gates Mills, OH, and Riverside, CT, died December 26, 2012, in Natick, MA, her home since 2010. Born and raised in St. Paul, MN, she was the daughter of the late James A. and Muriel (Tappan) Childs. Cherry earned a B. A. from Smith College and a Master’s Degree in Bacteriology from Radcliffe/Harvard.
Cherry worked for several years as a bacteriologist in Duluth, MN, where she was involved with viral research. During WWII she volunteered under the FBI as a plane spotter. Civic-minded, Cherry was active with local PTA’s, the Girl Scouts of America, the United Way and other volunteer organizations often serving in leadership positions. The McGees settled in Riverside, CT in 1956, where Cherry served as an elected town representative for several years. Moving to Gates Mills, Ohio in 1974, Cherry became actively involved in the Gates Mills Players, the Community Club and the Garden Club. She was an inspired environmentalist and a dedicated recycler before many had even heard of the concept. Throughout her life Cherry was an avid bridge player and voracious reader, who also enjoyed tennis, golf, gardening, and crossword puzzles. She was the devoted wife of the late Elwood “Mac” L. McGee, beloved mother and an inspiration to all who knew her. Beyond measure Cherry will be remembered for her kindness, patience, humor and positive outlook. She was an unusually remarkable individual.
She is survived by her four daughters: Nancy M. Mack and her husband Gerald of Nantucket, MA, Susan McGee of Natick, MA, Jonna M. Kerrigan and her husband Dennis of Lincolnshire, IL, and Laura A. McGee and her husband Jack Parker of Danvers, MA, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two nephews and one niece.
A private family gathering is planned. Gifts in Cherry’s memory can be made to support the Galapagos Conservancy, 11150 Fairfax Blvd, Suite 408 Gifts, Fairfax, VA 22030.