Obituary
Jacqueline Gerding

Jacqueline Sweeney Gerding, 63, of Cary, NC, passed peacefully with family by her side on June 2, 2025. Jackie’s bright spirit enhanced all those she encountered from the time she was born on March 5, 1962 to her last moments on earth. Her parents, John and Cecelia Sweeney, raised her alongside siblings Nora and Judy in Nutley, New Jersey. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1980. She met her husband, Andrew Gerding, on a blind date that ended up lasting 37 years, which were full of adventures, laughter, lots of Springsteen, and most importantly two incredible children, Casey and Jeffrey. The Gerdings settled in the heart of Cary, NC, and anyone who has had the privilege of spending time on Brookgreen Drive can tell you that it is more than a home— it’s a place where all are greeted with a cold drink, warm food, and the constant vibrations of good music, which will continue to be amplified by the signature Jackie dance. She moved through life similar to this dance– a soft and comforting sway, occasionally on beat, but always with a warm smile and hands together holding all those who loved her close by. Jackie loved a cold glass of Irish whiskey, planning celebrations and parties like the annual Gerding Thanksgiving, jamming to Bruce Springsteen, cheering on the Fighting Irish, relaxing on the beach, and the constant hum of HGTV in the background. She is survived by her husband, Andrew Gerding; her son, Jeffrey Gerding; her daughter, Casey Gerding Yiottis and son-in-law Nick Yiottis; her mother-in-law, Peggy Gerding; her sister, Nora Bishop; her sister, Judy Thanhauser and brother-in-law, David Thanhauser; her brother-in law, Paul Gerding, and sister-in-law, Lisa Gerding; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved granddaughter, Anastasia Cecelia Yiottis. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, John V. and Cecelia Sweeney, and her father-in-law, Robert Gerding. A visitation with family will be held on June 20th, 2025 at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Her family would like to thank Transitions LifeCare and the nurses at WakeMed Cary for their amazing care and support during the last few weeks.