WOOSTER – Gelsomina A. Gelsey KOHLER, 77, of Wooster, passed away Monday, October 24, 2011in the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Hospital following a period of declining health.
Born July 23, 1934 in Philadelphia, Gelsey was adopted at 19 months of age and raised by her loving parents Alfred and Alma (Esslinger) Madonna. She graduated from Friends Select School in 1952. She was united in marriage in Philadelphia with Erwin M. Kohler on March 20, 1954. He survives.
Gelsey was a homemaker and had worked for AT & T in Philadelphia and for Motorist Mutual in Columbus. She devoted her life to her family. She had been a Girl Scout leader and enjoyed all forms of nature. Gelsey enjoyed making beautiful ceramic pieces to decorate her home and to give to friends and family. Later she worked at Olsens Plaster Nook and used her talents to decorate pieces and give them to others. She enjoyed playing the piano and her organ and cooking and baking for every occasion. The Christmas season was her favorite time to share and host parties for a number of years for the faculty and staff of the Food Animal Health Research Program at the OARDC. She displayed and gave to friends many wooden ornaments made from patterns from Germany.
She enjoyed family camping trips over much of the United States and Canada. She also enjoyed helping with the meeting of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Disease for 18 years as well as attending functions of the American Veterinary Medical Assn. Gelsey created special memories and made lasting friendships through 8 enjoyable trips to Europe. She recently enjoyed her years with the Fluid Moves and the Silver Sneakers. She was a member of the Wooster United Methodist Church and the Viola Thorne Club.
In recent years, she was able to learn the history of her adoption. She had a very enjoyable meeting in Virginia with a biological niece, Rita Claxton, and nephew, John Kochowicz, who were able to relate history of the family and provide pictures of her deceased mother and siblings.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Alfred Kohler, her daughter Linda Corman and son-in-law Tim. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren and a niece and nephew. Many special friends are deceased, but many also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister-in-law Barbara (Giles) Bolte
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
McIntire, Davis & Greene Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Those who wish may make contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice in Gelsey’s memory.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of mcintiredavisgreene@embarqmail.com.

Memorial Contributions
Charity of the donor’s choice

Service
Memorial Service at a later date

Visitation
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