Geraldine Aron

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.