Geraldine Fowler

The Rev. Geraldine Ives Fowler, 87 of Southampton, NJ, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Legacy Gardens of Bristol, PA, after a long illness. Born in Luzerne, NY, Rev. Fowler graduated from high school in Dutton, MT and went on to earn a Bachelor's in Education from the State University of New York at Potsdam in 1960, where she met the man of her dreams, Arthur Fowler, Jr., at neighboring Clarkson University. Rev. Fowler was an early education teacher for many years, and began pursuing her Master’s in Education at Trenton State College before she received her calling and decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and go into ministry. Rev. Fowler went on to receive her Master of Divinity degree from Drew University in Madison NJ in 1988.

Rev. Fowler was a kind, caring, and loving Pastor, who was loved and adored by her congregations, family, and friends. She loved God with all her heart and proclaimed the Gospel in everything she did. Rev. Fowler served many churches in the Greater NJ Conference of the United Methodist Church. Later in her ministry she founded Balm in Gilead Ministries, a retreat ministry for Pastors, couples, women's groups, and congregations. She also served as a mentor for young Pastors and provided spiritual direction for many individuals and couples. Rev. Fowler retired officially in 2014, then came out of retirement and served as a part-time pastor at Princeton UMC, ultimately retiring again in 2017, after 29 years of service to God and the church.

Rev. Fowler is predeceased by her parents, The Rev. Paul W. Ives, and Geraldine M. Ives, and her beloved husband Arthur S. Fowler, Jr. She is also predeceased by three of her sisters and brothers-in-law, Antoinette Draffen (Robert), Paula Newkirk (Thomas) and Rosemary Finnerty (Charles).

Rev. Fowler is survived by her three children, Steven A. Fowler (Paula) of Lawrence Twp, NJ, Diane F. Herrin (Eric) of Highpoint, NC, and Susan I. Fowler of Levittown, PA. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Nicole Harrison (Archibald), Ryan Kahny (Savannah), Logan Kahny (Mariya), Steven Fowler, Jr., and Andrew Fowler, three great- grandchildren Natasha Harrison, Naomi Harrison, and Justice Harrison, and a great-great grandson Ri'cari Harrison.

Rev. Fowler is also survived by her younger sister JoAnne Ives, brother-in-law Dr. Charles Fowler, and a sister-in-law Marilyn Bucher (Glen), and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 11:00 am at Christ United Methodist Church, 501 Wistar Rd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to a Methodist Church of your choice, the American Cancer Society/Lymphoma Foundation or the Hospice Care Group of your choice.