Elizabeth Geraldine “Gerry” Rosario Stefan, 91, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away Thursday morning, September 3, 2026, following a short illness and a long, full life.

Gerry was born in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Wallace L. and Willie Mae (Harkins) McCarter. After graduating from high school, she proudly joined the United States Marine Corps.

While stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, she met and married her first husband, Pedro “Pete” Ramon Rosario. The couple were married on May 25, 1956, in New Bern, North Carolina, and shared 17 years together before Pete’s untimely death in an aircraft accident on May 3, 1974, in Newport News, Virginia.

On August 4, 1984, Gerry married for the second time to Donald “Don” Michael Stefan, a retired U.S. Army serviceman. They shared four years together before Don passed away on September 11, 1988, from the effects of Agent Orange exposure during his service in the Vietnam War.

In her later years, Gerry had the pleasure of reconnecting with Ronnie “Gene” Kellam. Their friendship grew into a 17 year loving commitment, and Gene, alongside Gerry’s family, treasured the opportunity to care for her during her final years and until her passing.

Gerry was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Earnest “Hal” McCarter, Wallace Jr. McCarter, Evelyn Medlock, and Pauline “Polly” Cole, and by her stepson, Andy Stefan. She is survived by her children, Ramon “Ray” Edward Rosario (Lisa Rosario), David Henrique Rosario (Tang Taweep), and Paula Elizabeth (Rosario) Cowart (Terry Cowart); and her stepchildren, Isabelle Stefan and Tammy Stefan.

Gerry leaves behind a cherished family that includes her grandchildren, Farrah, Pedro “Pete,” Jessica (Jeremy), Nicole (John), Hannah (Taylor), Victoria (Cameron), Mariah, Andreas (Ashley), Heather (Corbin), Christopher (Madi), and Ciarra Marie, as well as her great-grandchildren, Cameron, Christopher, Jay, Salem, Asher, Noelle, Oakley, Haven, and Bennett.

A longtime resident of Savannah, Gerry retired after many years of driving a school bus for St. James Catholic School and the Chatham County Public School System. She raised two families as a single mother and was known for her strength, resilience, and devotion to her children.

Gerry was also socially active for many years as a member of the Shag Club. She loved to dance and could often be found “kicking her heels up” whenever she had the chance. Above all, Gerry was known for her bright smile, kind heart, and encouraging words. She had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for, and her warmth touched many lives.

Gerry lived a long and full life, filled with love, family, friendships, service, music, and dancing. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday morning, September 8, 2026,  from 9 o'clock until 10 o'clock in the morning at Gamble Funeral Service, 410 Stephenson Ave., Savannah. Funeral services will follow in the funeral home chapel at 10 o'clock. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Savannah.