Geraldine Teresa Morrow

Geraldine Teresa Morrow

Geraldine Teresa Castaldo was born Oct. 12, 1930 in Revere, Massachusetts. The youngest of three daughters born to John Castaldo and Catherine (Chiovitti) Castaldo. She graduated with honors from Revere High in 1940. Gerry worked as a dental assistant to finance hygiene school at Forsythe and then as a hygienist to pave the way through dental school.

Gerry married Philip Edward Morrow on Dec. 26, 1954 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tufts University in 1956. Born to Gerry and Phil were Douglas Edward, Nancy Ann, Joyce Kay and Lora Jean.

Dr. Gerry Morrow signed on with the Indian Health Service to provide dental care to rural Alaska. She began her career at the Native TB Hospital in 1956 and was the first woman dentist in our state. She traveled to Alaskan 'Bush' villages by small aircraft for decades. She enjoyed her time with the native people and made many trips to Togiak and Manokotak in her lifetime. Dr. Morrow maintained a private practice in Anchorage from 1966 to 1972. In the following years she worked extensively with Delta Dental to provide dental insurance for all Alaskans. She volunteered for years at Anchorage's Neighborhood Health Clinic to provide care for those who could not otherwise afford it.

Dr. Morrow envisioned and ultimately directed the Allied Health Sciences program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She was instrumental in obtaining a building to house the program and spent many hours training the next generation of assistants and Hygienists. For 20 years Dr. Morrow provided contract dental services for the State of AK Correctional System; offering oral health care in jails, prisons, and mental health institutions across Southcentral Alaska.

Dr. Morrow was an active member of her local, state and regional dental societies. She was first elected delegate and then trustee to the American Dental Association. In 1991 the ADA elected Dr. Morrow as their first woman president.

Dr. Morrow's commitment to excellence and her tireless service to her profession earned her distinction among her colleagues and recognition from universities at home and abroad. She honored many requests for her time as a keynote speaker, curriculum review committee member, advisory committee member, and commencement speaker.

She was recognized with many awards from her colleagues. Perhaps the most notable was the honorary doctorate presented to her following the commencement address she gave at her own alma mater, Tufts in 1992.

In her spare time Geri raised four children. They all graduated with honors, obtained college degrees, and faithfully brushed their teeth.

Her travels took her overseas to 12 countries and to nearly every state in the U.S, but her heart remained in Alaska - "the most beautiful place in the world". Geri's satisfaction with professional achievement waned in her later years and she found forgiveness in Christ that filled the emptiness in her soul. Geri was baptized at age 74 and became an active member of Scenic Park Bible Church. She went on to complete six years of study with Bible Study Fellowship of Anchorage. Geri retired at age 80, after 44 years of service. In the last years of her life Geri spent more time than ever with her children, due in part to her failing mental and physical health.

Geri spent much the last two years at Harborview Manor in Wasilla where she received compassionate personal care.

Our family wishes to thank the friends who have reached out to mom in her most difficult days both past and present.

Geri was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine; father, John; sister, Mary; and niece, Penny. She leaves behind her sister Eleanor, her former husband Philip, Doug Morrow, Mardi Morrow-Bettes, Nancy Morrow, Dani Miller, Joyce and Larry Martin, Lora and Aaron Nolan, as well as 13 grandchildren; Alex, Jamie, Troy, Kate, Ann, Meg, Peter, Andrew, Grace, Daniel, Joel, Isaiah, and Mercy; nieces Kathy and Elizabeth, Nephew Tom, and many faithful friends.

Services will be held at Sunny Knik Chapel in Wasilla on Friday April 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing on Friday April 7, 2017 at Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street in Anchorage beginning at 3 p.m. with a graveside service immediately following. Please join us in saying goodbye to Geri.

Arrangements cared for by Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home.