Barbara Platou Gerra

Barbara Platou Gerra, 87 of Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully on the 4th day of April 2012, at Kirkland Village Skilled Care Unit. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Barbara was the daughter of the late Col. Dr. Pedro Ludvig Waldemar Platou, a prominent surgeon in the Norwegian community of Brooklyn and also in the U.S. Army, and the late Ernestine Taylor Platou of Wallesey, England. Barbara was the wife of Ralph A. Gerra for almost 65 years. She was a graduate of the Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn Heights and went on to attend Middlebury College in Vermont where she became a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Barbara was also a student at the Katharine Gibbs School in New York, NY. In addition, she was a lifetime student of language, a member of the Junior League, a supporter of the Kemerer Museum and Bach Choir, and volunteered with the Female Offender Rehabilitation program in Northampton and Lehigh Counties. Barbara faithfully attended Trinity Episcopal Church of Bethlehem and was a member of the Saucon Valley Country Club. Barbara lived an energetic lifestyle, and throughout her life enjoyed sports such as horseback riding, skiing and tennis. In her more adventurous years, she also became an accomplished airplane pilot in support of the Second World War effort. Her witty humor will be remembered by all. Predeceased by sons John and Andrew, Barbara is survived by her husband Ralph, sister Nancy Christie, daughter Barbara, sons Ralph and his wife Linda, Peter, Albert and his wife Mary Pat, and Paul and his wife Lorraine. She had eight grandchildren whom she loved very dearly: John, Christopher, Emily, Daniel, Alexander, Brian, Nicholas, and Michael Patrick.

Services: A viewing will be held on Monday, April 9, 2012 at Connell Funeral Home 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 from 7-9 PM. Another viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Trinity Episcopal Church 44 E. Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 from 9:30-10:30 AM followed by a funeral service at 10:30 AM. Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Barbara to Trinity Episcopal Church.

Online condolences www.connellfuneral.com.