Geraldine Nelson Aron was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on December 1, 1922. She died on
December 1, 2023 which was her one hundred and first birthday, which she considered an
accomplishment. She was at peace and full of grace surrounded by her pet family and close friends. Geri
grew up in Flossmoor, Illinois, the only child of Minnie Sargisson and Arthur H. Nelson.
Archeology, especially prehistoric man and the Egyptians, art, and architecture were interests early on.
As a theme throughout Geri’s life, she said, “My greatest concern is for this planet and the extinction of
so many animal and plant species mainly because of human encroachment.“
She was employed by Illinois Bell Telephone Company first as an operator and eventually as a draftsman
in the plant engineering department. She pursued her education focused on Interior Decorating by
attending evening classes at the Chicago Art Institute and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. She also
attended the Institute of Design at the University of Illinois – Chicago campus in 1957.
After her first marriage in 1944 Geri moved to the Near North side of Chicago in 1953. She attended the
Old Town Art Fair. She met Gunther Aron who was exhibiting jewelry at the Fair. After they married in
1956 Gunther’s jewelry designs grew and transformed into sculpture. A storefront on Wells Street
served as a home and studio for the pair. While living in Old Town Chicago a visit to Santa Fe inspired
their purchase of the Old School House in Lamy. In 1974 Geri and Gunther moved permanently to Lamy
where her interior design skills were put on display with their conversion of the school into an expansive
home, studio, and rental. Geri’s lifestyle in Lamy included the rescue, care, and adoption of dogs
in need.
In 1979 Geri joined the newly incorporated Sangre de Cristo Animal Protection organization. She was an
exceptional and active member promoting the group and helping to set up legislation regarding animal
protection and educational displays centered on trapping and dog fighting. A distinct accomplishment
was the passing of the Dog Fighting Bill in the NM Legislature. Eventually the homespun local
organization expanded to the highly functional state-wide Animal Protection of New Mexico, Inc. Geri
was still volunteering to extend financial aid to low-income pet owners during the 101st year of her life.
Exemplifying her knowledge and interest in art Geri Aron was deeply involved with the Bauhaus Chicago
Foundation which was established to ensure that the educational principles formulated in the field of
creative arts at the Bauhaus in Germany (1919 – 1933), and taught at the Institute of Design in Chicago
between 1937 – 1956, are preserved and documented for future generations. See website:
bauhauschicagofoundation.org
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Save the Chimps, Animal
Protection of New Mexico or any other organization of your choice.
About |
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Name | Geraldine Arone Aron |
Date of Birth | December 1st, 1922 |
Date of Death | December 1st, 2023 |
Memorial |
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Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Santa Fe | |
Address |
417 Rodeo Road Santa Fe NM 87505 United States |
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published a tribute .
Geri was my grandmother Adaline Nelson-Hansens brothers daughter on my dad's side. Cousin Geri to me. I loved her dearly. My dad James Aurther Hansen & stepmom Elenore & I would take trips out west to visit Gunther & Geri. My Uncle Richard Dix Hansen would join us. We always went to their favorite restaurant's.They took me to museums, & Downtown Santa Fe. Geri took me to the opening of the 7 Pueblo Center where they had a Pow Wow with lots of local artist. It was a day that i will always remember. Geri handed down to me allot of family history. Both She & Gunther were very special people.They will be missed by many, especially me. Thank you Geri for all you gave me. Love James Kent Hansen.
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