Geraldine Sophia Towne, affectionately known as Gerri, of Delmont, PA, and formerly of Russellton, PA, passed away peacefully at age 77 on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, PA, with her loving sister, Ella, by her side.  Born on March 15, 1948, in Tarentum, PA, Gerri was the daughter of the late Sophia E. McHarg (née McClafferty) and Walter J. McHarg.

A Courageous Heart

Gerri was a warm, generous, and devoted person who bravely fought a difficult, lifelong battle with schizoaffective disorder. While our hearts are broken by her absence, we take comfort knowing that her hard-fought struggle is finally over and she is at eternal peace.

When her illness was managed well, Gerri's natural warmth and spirit shone brightly, touching the lives of everyone she knew. She possessed an incredible generosity, often sending gifts to her family, especially her beloved grandson, Connor. She made sure to send him a card for every holiday, sometimes two months in advance, demonstrating her dedication and sweet thoughtfulness.

Gerri graduated from West Deer High School in 1966 and briefly worked as a cosmetologist. She and her sister, Ella, shared a very special bond, having been best friends throughout their childhood and teen years. Ella cherishes the fond memories of their many conversations, and the enduring sisterly love that remained. In recent years, Gerri enjoyed watching movies, where she became a dedicated fan of her favorite actor, Nicolas Cage. She loved nothing more than looking at pictures of her grandson, Connor, and the rest of her family.

Family

Gerri's loving memory is carried on by her daughter, Kimberly Osburn (née McHarg) and son-in-law, Timothy Osburn; her grandchildren, Jesse and Connor Osburn; and her sister, Ella Reed (née McHarg) and brother-in-law, Glenn Reed.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond W. McHarg; her mother, Sophia E. McHarg (née McClafferty); her father, Walter J. McHarg; and her special friend, Kirby L. Forsha.

In accordance with Gerri's wishes, there will be no public memorial service. Interment will take place privately at Deer Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gerri's name to the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance at https://sczaction.org/, an organization dedicated to fighting the battle she knew so well.